By Remi Johnson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the collector road CN2, declaring Wike as a loyal appointtee that had 100% justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashmir Shettima gave the commendation during the commissioning ceremony of the CN2 Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard and other road networks in Katampe District Abuja.
Tinubu said Wike’s performance had exceeded expectations, citing the rapid delivery of roads, water projects, judicial infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives across the Federal Capital Territory.
The commissioning formed part of the 31 ongoing infrastructure rollout by FCT Administration to mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“When I gave you the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew your track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Me.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr. Project’ for a reason.” Tinubu said.
The President described the newly completed road as a symbol of the administration’s determination to restore confidence in governance through visible development.
He noted that infrastructure projects across the FCT were already improving mobility, enhancing economic activities and attracting investments into the nation’s capital.
According to him, the installation of solar-powered street lights along major corridors has improved security while helping to revive Abuja’s nightlife and economic activities.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.
Tinubu who maintained that infrastructure remains a critical pillar his administration’s development agenda, said the significance of the road represents government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“CN2 is more than concrete and asphalt. It represents hope. It demonstrates that government can deliver. It shows Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible results.”
In his remarks, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the Katampe road project was conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that became apparent after the completion of adjoining road networks.
He explained that the Administration swiftly swung into action to address the challenge in order to achieve a more integrated transportation network.
“Last year, when Mr. President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.
The Minister noted that the project has already unlocked significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and stimulating economic activities.
“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” Wike stated.
Wike noted that thousands of Nigerians have benefited economic wise, directly and indirectly from the ongoing projects being executed across the territory.
He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to extend development beyond the city centre into satellite communities. He cited the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki communities as evidence of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” Wike said.
In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflects President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.
She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, walkways and green areas.
According to him, the road improves connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development.
With the ongoing projects commissioning, the FCT Administration’s efforts has positioned Abuja as a modern city, while reinforcing narrative that infrastructure remains central to every nation’s economic development.