Tinubu Hails Wike as Abuja Transformation Gains Momentum, Commissions Strategic Katampe Road Network

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly completed Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Ogala Boulevard) and Important Local Street 5 (ILS5) in Abuja’s Katampe District, praising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering tangible infrastructure projects that are reshaping the nation’s capital.

The strategic 3.9-kilometre dual carriageway, constructed by China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC) Nigeria Limited within seven months, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi and other key districts of Abuja, while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, President Tinubu described the project as a symbol of effective governance and proof that his administration is committed to fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.

According to the President, the road project goes beyond physical infrastructure, representing renewed confidence in government’s ability to deliver meaningful development.

“A road like CN2 is more than just concrete—it represents hope. It proves to every Nigerian that the government can deliver,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the project was executed to modern engineering standards and equipped with solar-powered streetlights that have enhanced security and transformed nighttime activities in the district.

“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 stated.

Tinubu commended Wike for what he described as exceptional dedication and results-driven leadership, saying the minister had exceeded expectations in his mandate to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Barrister Wike, you have not disappointed. You do not give excuses; you give results,” the President added.

He urged residents to protect public infrastructure, pay taxes and ground rents promptly, and refrain from vandalising public facilities or converting pedestrian walkways into trading spaces.

Earlier, Wike highlighted the immediate economic benefits of the road project, saying it had already stimulated massive private-sector investments and construction activities in the area.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and confidence in the FCT Administration, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) engineering team, and the National Assembly.

The minister disclosed that the administration would continue its infrastructure drive, announcing plans to commission a major water supply project in Karu for satellite towns within the FCT.

“We are not slowing down. On Monday, we will move to Karu to commission a massive water project that will benefit residents of the satellite towns,” Wike said.

In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies for their support during the execution of the project.

Providing an overview of the project, FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the contract was awarded in November 2025 as part of efforts to sustain infrastructure development across the FCT.

He explained that the six-lane road comprises two carriageways with parking lanes separated by a two-metre median and includes extensive supporting infrastructure such as underground drainage systems, water and sewer networks, telecommunications ducts, solar streetlights, walkways and landscaped green areas.

Dauda noted that the project generated employment opportunities for many Nigerians and would accelerate development in Katampe while improving security, reducing travel time and strengthening connectivity with neighbouring districts including Mabushi, Jahi and Maitama.

Representing the contractor, CGC Managing Director, Lv Haiming, thanked the Federal Government, the FCT Administration and host communities for their cooperation.

He said the company completed the project within seven months as promised and emphasized its commitment to local content development through the recruitment and training of Nigerian workers and young engineers.

The commissioning forms part of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing infrastructure renewal programme aimed at modernising Abuja and improving the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.