By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
President Bola Tinubu has called on residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfil their civic obligations by paying taxes, land charges and ground rents, saying increased compliance will support the delivery of more infrastructure projects across the territory.
Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during the commissioning of the completed Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District, Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said infrastructure development requires cooperation between government and citizens, stressing that revenue generated through statutory payments enables authorities to undertake critical projects.
“Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” he said.
The President described the newly completed road as a strategic transport corridor designed to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and support economic activities within the capital city.
According to him, the project completes a commitment made by his administration after the commissioning of the Gwarinpa I District section of the road in June 2025.
Tinubu said the road project aligns with efforts to improve connectivity among developing districts, including Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa, Kado, Idu and Mbora, while also enhancing access to the Idu Industrial District.
He noted that improved road infrastructure would reduce transportation costs for businesses, attract investments and create employment opportunities.
The President also urged residents, community leaders and traditional institutions to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance of drainage channels and other facilities.
Speaking at the event, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the road commissioning formed part of a 31-day programme of project inaugurations marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, infrastructure delivery in the FCT has expanded beyond the city centre to satellite communities, with several road projects completed or nearing completion across the territory.
Wike said the Dape section of Arterial Road N5 was delivered by Julius Berger Plc within the agreed timeline, adding that the contractor had also completed the Gwarinpa section within seven months.
The minister maintained that the project would improve movement within Abuja and contribute to the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.
He also addressed concerns raised by some residents during the construction phase, stating that compensation was paid to affected property owners whose structures were demolished for the project.
Earlier, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the road project as a significant addition to the territory’s transportation network.
She said the project would improve connectivity, support economic activities and contribute to sustainable urban development in Abuja.
Mahmoud also commended residents and community leaders in Life Camp, Dape and neighbouring communities for their cooperation during the execution of the project.
The completion of the road is expected to ease traffic flow, improve access to emerging districts and strengthen economic linkages between residential, commercial and industrial areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
