Tinubu Says Abuja’s Transformation Is Nigeria’s Future as New Collector Road, Bridge Open Investment Corridor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) represents the broader development agenda of his administration across Nigeria, describing infrastructure as the engine that drives economic growth, investment and national prosperity.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the newly completed Collector Road C01 and its accompanying bridge in Abuja’s Institution and Research District. He was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Addressing guests, Tinubu said the modernization of Abuja serves as a model for what his administration intends to achieve nationwide through strategic investments in roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

According to him, the construction of modern transport infrastructure is essential for unlocking economic opportunities, attracting investors and improving the quality of life for citizens.

“When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows,” the President stated.

He emphasized that his administration remains committed to extending similar development to cities, satellite towns and rural communities across the country, insisting that every Nigerian deserves the dividends of good governance.

Describing the project as a fulfillment of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tinubu said the road is more than a transportation facility, calling it a tangible demonstration of government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.

“We are not just looking at a physical road; we are looking at a promise kept,” he said.

The President recalled that the project was initiated after concerns were raised by the Body of Benchers during the 2025 Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony over persistent traffic congestion and poor access roads leading to the institution.

He explained that his administration responded swiftly by approving the project under emergency procurement, stressing that students, legal practitioners and residents should not have to contend with poor infrastructure while pursuing education and professional development.

Tinubu noted that the project had already generated hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction while also improving mobility, safety and accessibility within the district.

He further commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within record time, describing him as a leader who remains committed to completing every assignment entrusted to him.

Speaking at the event, Wike thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and for providing the resources needed to execute major infrastructure projects across the FCT.

He assured residents that every district within the nation’s capital would continue to benefit from the administration’s development agenda.

The minister also expressed appreciation to the President for removing the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a move he said has significantly improved project financing and execution.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also praised President Tinubu for what she described as unprecedented support for the territory, noting that the administration’s intervention has accelerated infrastructure delivery across Abuja.

She pledged the continued cooperation of residents in protecting public facilities and supporting government programmes.

Meanwhile, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the newly commissioned Collector Road C01 is a strategic infrastructure project designed to improve access to research institutions, educational facilities and surrounding communities.

He disclosed that the project includes a modern bridge, underground drainage network, solar-powered street lighting and other supporting infrastructure, providing an alternative transport route in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

The commissioning forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure drive aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating economic activities and accelerating urban development under the Renewed Hope agenda.