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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, declared that no Nigerian community should be made a victim of national development, as he commissioned the 7-kilometre access road bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement, completed with a four-span bridge in Abuja.

Represented by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, at the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu said the project was designed to correct years of neglect suffered by communities that sacrificed their ancestral lands for the construction of the airport’s second runway, but were left without basic road infrastructure.

According to the President, the newly completed road is not merely a transportation project but a strategic economic corridor that will improve security around the airport, ease traffic congestion and unlock development opportunities for residents of Tungan Madaki and adjoining communities.

He recalled that when the need arose to construct the airport’s second runway, host communities willingly surrendered their lands in the national interest.

“Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for airplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off.

“Let me state this clearly; no citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: ‘Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.’ We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” Tinubu stated.

The President described the road as an “economic artery” that would provide an alternative route around the airport’s second runway while strengthening security around critical aviation infrastructure.

He explained that the project would help prevent local traffic from interfering with sensitive airport operations, reduce congestion along Bill Clinton Drive and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities.

Highlighting the significance of the four-span bridge constructed along the route, Tinubu said it would ensure uninterrupted movement of people and goods throughout the year.

“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works,” he said.

The President also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exemplary project delivery.

“Wike, you are ‘Mr. Project’, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately. Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery.

“That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain,” he said.

Tinubu urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure by preventing encroachment on the road corridor and ensuring proper maintenance of drainage channels.

While acknowledging the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the President reiterated that the reforms initiated by his administration were necessary to secure long-term national prosperity.

“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices. Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow.

“We are not building for headlines. We are building for generations to come. We will keep working day and night until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance,” he added.

Earlier, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the seventh day of a 31-day programme dedicated to unveiling completed projects across the territory.

Wike noted that the Tungan Madaki road project symbolised the administration’s commitment to extending development beyond Abuja’s city centre to neglected satellite communities.

He commended residents of the community for their cooperation during the acquisition of land for the airport’s second runway, describing them as a model for other host communities across the country.

“I must commend this community as a strong example for others to learn from. They did not make unrealistic demands or attempt to frustrate government efforts.

“Instead, they made two simple requests: employment for their youths and access roads for their community. They did not demand huge monetary compensation or place unnecessary conditions. They simply asked for jobs and roads,” Wike said.

According to him, government has already fulfilled the employment component of the agreement and is now delivering the road infrastructure promised to the community.

The minister recalled personally witnessing the difficult living conditions in the area during the project’s flag-off, noting that it was unacceptable for residents living close to an international airport to remain disconnected from the city.

“Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are changing that story through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This community, like many others in the satellite towns, had lost hope and confidence in government. But today, hope has returned,” he said.

Wike disclosed that the 7-kilometre road, which includes a major bridge, now links communities across the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council, while also improving access for residents travelling to the airport from Zuba and neighbouring settlements.

He further revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had directed the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, to extend the road further to Zuba to maximise its economic impact.

The minister praised the contractor for completing the project within the agreed timeframe despite initial doubts about the feasibility of the schedule.

He, however, warned land grabbers against encroaching on the road corridor, stressing that the infrastructure was meant to serve host communities and support future development.

“This road is proof that when government and communities work together, progress is possible,” Wike said.

The project is expected to improve connectivity, boost economic activities, facilitate movement around the airport corridor and enhance the quality of life for residents of Tungan Madaki, Zuba and other surrounding communities.