By Remi Johnson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly constructed 15km Apo-Wassa Access Road in the Federal Capital Territory, showering accolades on Wike’s commitment to national development.
Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the completion of the long-abandoned Apo-Wassa road reflects the current administration’s commitment to developing and integrating communities.
He urged the FCT Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, to continue his good work despite ongoing criticism from some quarters that the FCTA is only focusing on infrastructure.
He described the visible transformation in the capital city, citing his daily commute from the Villa through the newly constructed flyover as an uncommon infrastructural development.
“Do not mind those who are criticizing you. Remain focused on the country to deliver. Nobody will remember you for how you answered your critics, but for the legacies you are leaving behind,”
Akpabio further urged residents to take ownership of the roads, emphasizing their importance to safety, transportation, and economic opportunities.
Earlier, FCT Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, pointed out that the road was awarded in 2017 for ₦6 billion, but by 2021, variations brought the cost to ₦21 billion. Yet, contractors could not proceed due to lack of funds.
Wike commended President Tinubu’s resolve in reviving and completing abandoned projects, adding that the administration’s focus extends beyond city development to rural community integration.
“This road serves as a symbol of what governance should look like. Those familiar with the old Apo mechanic area know how terrible the road was. Now, we have a 15-kilometer stretch of solid infrastructure,” Wike said.
Addressing concerns about ground rents in the city, Wike said the road is a direct dividend of those taxes.
“Those of us who are crying about ground rents, see what ground rents have done,”
According to Wike, with the completion of the Apo-Wassa road, residents and commuters can look forward to improved traffic flow, better access to surrounding communities, and enhanced socio-economic activities in the area.
The FCTA had, on Tuesday, 10th June, inaugurated the International Conference Center named after President Tinubu. On Wednesday, the N16 Gishiri Junction was opened, with the Apo-Wassa road marking the third project to be inaugurated within one week.