President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the first phase of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in the Federal Capital Territory, declaring that the project has ended decades of hardship, insecurity and economic losses experienced by residents and commuters along the corridor.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described the road as a vital infrastructure project that will improve security, boost commerce and unlock economic opportunities for residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and neighbouring communities.
According to Tinubu, the road had long been a source of frustration for residents, with traders, farmers, students and workers enduring lengthy travel times, poor access and security challenges.
He said the newly completed seven-kilometre dual carriageway, equipped with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, would significantly improve mobility and safety while stimulating economic activities in the area.
The President noted that the project aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that his administration is committed to extending development beyond Abuja’s city centre to satellite towns and area councils.
He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue to provide critical infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals and water projects, across underserved communities.
Tinubu also urged citizens to protect public infrastructure and support government development efforts through responsible civic conduct.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure development across the FCT and ensuring that projects reach communities outside the capital city’s highbrow districts.
Earlier, Wike said the project was initiated following consultations with residents, traditional rulers and stakeholders across the six area councils, where poor road infrastructure and insecurity were identified as major concerns.
The minister recalled personally inspecting the road and finding it in a deplorable condition, prompting the administration to prioritise its reconstruction.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council approved the project in early 2025 and awarded the contract to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the completion of the first phase and disclosed that the contractor had assured the government that the second phase of the project would be completed by December 2026.
He said the road would ease movement between Kuje and Gwagwalada, improve access to markets for farmers and create new opportunities for businesses and residents.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of residents through strategic infrastructure investments.
The Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project features a seven-kilometre dual carriageway with two lanes on each side, a three-span bridge, drainage infrastructure and solar-powered streetlights.
He added that the second phase, which covers the remaining six kilometres of the road corridor, is expected to be completed by December 2026.