By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for restoring life to the nation’s Federal Capital Territory.

President Tinubu, who spoke on Tuesday when he inaugurated the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road One, a project that started 13 years ago, also said completion of the project was a mark of his commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

The President, who headed to the inauguration site on arrival from Lagos, identified that the newly inaugurated road, which the FCT administration named after him, would not only ease traffic congestion, but also enhance mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to city.

“But transformative projects you are seeing, I heard from his remark that this project could have been an abandoned project for 13 years, scratching the surface. Once again, our dear landlord, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory.

I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT, but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.

“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion, but also enhanced mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT.

“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our, as we strive to build a world-class capital city. We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.

“The needs of our citizens is paramount in our minds, so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed. As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down,” the President said.

He lauded the FCT Minister, Wike, for his vision and hard work, which he said had effected changes, both structurally and administratively, to the capital and has inspired many citizens.

“I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – is yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians, thank you very much.

“Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development. As we commemorate our first year in office when I was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job on our…, “ he said.

Wike said the projects had dragged on for several years.

However, he said the coming of the current administration and President’s unflinching support had led to the completion of the project amongst others, that are ready for inauguration.

He said the FCTA and the FCT Residents appreciated Tinubu’s support and laudable achievements.

He said: “It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the “BOLA AHMED TINUBU WAY”.

The Minister said the Southern Parkway was one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.

He said other principal artery was the Northern Parkway which had been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern districts.

According to Wike: “Southern Parkway at par with the Northern Parkway, this project which was awarded in December, 2010 to Messrs Setraco Nig. Ltd. at the contract sum of N16,234,553,335.64 (Sixteen billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira, Sixty Four Kobo).

“Later it was revised to N35,757,763,310.18 (Thirty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Six-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira, Eighteen Kobo) in March, 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.

“The scope of work comprised the construction of 5.4km length of the road – made up of 2 main carriageways of 4 lanes each and 2 service carriageways of 2 lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

“It also includes the construction of 4 number Interchanges (a total of 8 bridges) in addition to the provision of associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.

“I am happy to further inform your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President. The completion of the project will indeed enhance traffic circulation around the City Centre thereby reducing delays in travel time; complementing the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi as well as accelerating the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.

“Your Excellency, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on assumption of office in August 2023 we were confronted with many uncompleted projects that have dragged on for several years.” [with report by The Nation]