By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects and addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges, following the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105 linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Tinubu described the completion of the six-lane dual carriageway as evidence of the government’s resolve to deliver on promises made under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the President, the project reflects a deliberate effort to end the era of abandoned public infrastructure projects across the country.
“We are not just commissioning a road; we are keeping a promise. My administration does not inherit problems to abandon them. We inherit challenges to solve them,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that the project, originally awarded in 2022, had suffered delays and was abandoned before his administration intervened.
He noted that residents and businesses along the corridor had endured years of hardship caused by traffic congestion, flooding during the rainy season and excessive dust during the dry season.
The President said the completion of the road demonstrates the impact of political commitment and effective project execution.
He added that compensation was paid to affected property owners during construction to ensure compliance with legal requirements and facilitate project delivery.
Beyond easing movement, Tinubu said the road aligns with the administration’s broader goal of promoting inclusive development and extending infrastructure to underserved communities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje and by every Nigerian,” he stated.
The President explained that the road would reduce travel time, improve access to markets, support agricultural activities, stimulate economic growth and encourage private investment in the area.
He further noted that improved connectivity would help decongest the Abuja city centre while supporting the growth of satellite towns.
Tinubu also called on residents, developers and business owners to fulfill their civic responsibilities through the payment of taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges to support ongoing development efforts.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to safeguard the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.
“This road belongs to the people. Protect it and ensure it serves future generations,” he said.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the Airport-Kuje Road as one of the most challenging projects undertaken by the administration.
According to him, consultations with stakeholders across the six area councils shortly after the administration assumed office revealed that the road was among the most pressing infrastructure needs of residents.
Wike disclosed that although the contract was awarded in February 2022 at a cost exceeding N54 billion, construction had stalled before the current administration revived the project.
He said the road had become a major security concern and a source of hardship for commuters.
“It was a death trap and a haven for kidnappers and criminal elements. Today, that narrative has changed,” he said.
The minister commended Arab Contractors for successfully delivering the project and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in satellite communities.
He maintained that projects such as the Airport-Kuje Road and the ongoing Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway demonstrate the administration’s commitment to balanced development across the FCT.
“What this administration has done for satellite towns will remain a significant part of Abuja’s development history,” Wike said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the road as a major milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the project would improve transportation, enhance economic activities and contribute to sustainable development within the Federal Capital Territory.
Mahmoud commended the leadership of the FCT Administration for prioritising infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents and promoting economic prosperity.
The commissioning of the Airport-Kuje Road forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory.
