By Daniel Tyokua
President Bola Tinubu has urged Abuja residents to pay land charges and other taxes to enable the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to continue providing infrastructure projects.
Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road II in Dape District.
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, linked development to collaboration between the government and citizens.
He said, “The residents and business owners enjoying transformation in Abuja, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents.
“Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” he said.
Tinubu described the newly completed road as a critical economic corridor that would ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and unlock investment opportunities within the nation’s capital.
The President stressed that the project was conceived, funded and completed under his administration, saying it was awarded to Julius Berger Plc with a strict 15-month completion timeline after it was flagged off in October 2024.
According to him, the era when major infrastructure projects lingered for years without completion is over.
“We conceived it, we funded it, and we delivered it. In the past, projects like this became permanent budget lines ten, fifteen years of excuses. Not under this administration,” Tinubu declared.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as the administration’s “Engine of Execution” and applauded Julius Berger for delivering quality work within schedule.
“Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” he added.
Tinubu noted that the completion of the N5 corridor would significantly reduce travel time for commuters and provide seamless connectivity among Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora districts.
He further explained that the road would provide direct access to the Idu Industrial District, thereby lowering logistics costs, attracting investments and creating jobs.
“Beyond that, this road opens a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District. That means lower logistics costs for businesses, new investment, and more jobs for our people,” he said.
The President also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance of drainage systems and streetlights.
Earlier, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the commissioning marked the second day of a 31-day project inauguration programme organised to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, the scale of infrastructure delivery in the FCT has increased steadily since the administration came into office.
“On June 24, 2024, when we had the first-year anniversary of Mr. President, we took nine days of commissioning of projects. In the second year anniversary, we took 19 days. To the glory of God, in this third year, we are touching 31 days of commissioning of projects,” Wike said.
The minister credited Tinubu for providing the political support needed to transform the FCT, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda had translated into visible infrastructure development across Abuja and the satellite towns.
“For the first time, development has been taken to the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. This is unprecedented. Before this period, satellite towns did not know what they call government. Today, they can feel the impact and presence of government,” he stated.
Wike praised Julius Berger for completing both sections of the project within record time, revealing that the Gwarinpa section was delivered within seven months.
He also defended the FCT Administration’s handling of compensation issues during the road construction, insisting that all affected property owners whose structures were demolished were duly compensated.
“We paid. If you are saying that because you are from that place and development has passed and government did not dash you money, we don’t dash money when we are carrying out development,” he said.
The minister dismissed protests by some individuals at the event, insisting that infrastructure projects across the territory had demonstrated the administration’s commitment to governance and development.
Earlier in her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda and a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Mahmoud paid tribute to Wike for what she described as his purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Abuja through the delivery of critical infrastructure.
She also thanked traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Life Camp, Dape District and neighbouring communities for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project.
The minister expressed confidence that the newly commissioned road would improve transportation, boost commercial activities and support sustainable urban development in the Federal Capital Territory.
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