Tinubu Commissions Outer Southern Expressway, Boosts FCT Infrastructure

In a bid to enhance the infrastructure landscape of the Federal Capital Territory, President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway. The expressway, which links Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction, is expected to play a significant role in expanding infrastructure and driving economic development in the capital. At the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressed his administration's commitment to delivering projects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens. According to him, the project is a testament to the administration's focus on hard work and practical results, rather than quick fixes. 'Fellow citizens, when we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work. We promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on,' Tinubu stated. The president also highlighted the importance of infrastructure in economic development and job creation, noting that the project goes beyond just laying asphalt or mixing concrete. 'What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Look around you. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker, and the industrialist—you build roads,' he explained. Tinubu also recalled earlier phases of the Outer Southern Expressway project, including previous sections that had been completed and inaugurated. He noted that the administration had inherited the project but was committed to completing it. 'I have said it before; we don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start,' he said. The president commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his effective leadership in transforming infrastructure in Abuja. He praised Wike for ensuring accountability and delivery in project execution. 'Minister Wike, you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda, delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time. I thank you,' Tinubu added. The Outer Southern Expressway project is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve economic efficiency in the capital. Tinubu said the road would benefit thousands of commuters who would no longer be trapped in gridlock. 'Dear residents of the FCT, the benefits of this vital road infrastructure, for which we are gathered here today to celebrate, are quite immense. Let us think about the thousands of commuters who will no longer be trapped in gridlock. Think about the fuel saved, the man-hours gained, and the seamless connection this creates across the capital city. By linking the Apo District to Wasa, we are expanding Abuja’s economic footprint, opening up new areas for development, and lowering the cost of doing business,' he explained. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, also spoke at the event, praising the contractor, CGC, for delivering the project on time. He noted that the project was awarded between October and November of the previous year and that he had initially pressed the contractor to deliver within the administration’s third anniversary timeline. Wike expressed satisfaction that the contractor had fulfilled its commitment, despite the scale of work involved. 'I have inspected this road several times to ensure they would keep their promise. Indeed, they did. I sincerely want to thank CGC. This shows that nothing is impossible when there is determination and commitment,' he said. The minister also referenced efforts to relocate traders from Apo Mechanic Village, saying that successive administrations had made promises to provide a more structured and comfortable location for informal sector operators. He noted that the current administration had fulfilled that commitment by providing infrastructure, including access roads and water supply, at an alternative site. Wike emphasized the principle of continuity in governance, noting that a considerable portion of completed projects under the present administration were inherited from previous governments but were continued and delivered rather than abandoned. 'One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects, not just projects initiated by you but also those initiated by previous administrations. This administration has demonstrated that commitment,' the minister noted. He added that ongoing project inauguration activities would extend beyond the city centre to satellite towns, including roads in Kwali, Karu, Kubwa, and other surrounding communities, as well as water supply projects across the territory. According to him, the development drive demonstrated that infrastructure investments were being extended across the entire FCT rather than concentrated in central districts. Wike urged residents to acknowledge the progress being made, while thanking the President for providing support for project delivery across the territory.