…As He Commissions Over 16 Kilometer Road In Bwari Area Council
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering indigenous contractors and creating job opportunities for Nigerians through the provision of vital infrastructure.
The President stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, while commissioning the newly completed 16.4 kilometers Ushafa, War College, Army Check and other Ancillary Roads within the Bwari Area Council in the FCT.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu observed that the road project was executed by an indigenous firm, Abdul Val Nigeria Limited, saying it underscores the Federal Government’s deliberate policy to build the capacity of local contractors.
According to him, “We are not just building roads, we are building capacity. We are creating jobs. We are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities. And above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world”.
The President who also described the completion of the project as a significant development success, said it showcases the capability of the Nigerian spirit to deliver excellence. He said the dualized and upgraded roads will alleviate traffic congestion, stimulate economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents of Ushafa, Bwari, and surrounding communities.
The President further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing a modern and functional capital city where every district, council, and ward is connected and empowered, stating, “No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing. It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works. And indeed, Abuja is working”.
He said the completion of the road and numerous others across the nation, is a tangible expression of the commitment of the government to inclusive growth and sustainable development and called on all Nigerians to join hands with the government in building a Nigeria where every business thrives and every citizen enjoys a life of dignity and opportunity
President Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, for his dedication to ensuring that no community in the FCT is left behind, saying “His vision of an integrated capital city where development is not confined to the city centre, but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with the Abuja masterplan”.
Earlier, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, had expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unprecedented commitment to the development of the satellite towns, saying that it was the first time a sitting President, Vice President, or other high-ranking officials had visited an Area Council to commission a project.
“This is the first time a sitting President, a Vice President will go to the Satellite Towns to identify with them, to tell the people of the Satellite Towns that as we care for the city, so also we care for you. It is unprecedented. It has never happened. And this shows the love you have for the Satellite Towns residents. I want to thank you most sincerely”, Barrister Wike stated.
The FCT Minister acknowledged his initial doubts about the capacity of the indigenous contractor, Abdulval Nigeria Limited, for a project of this magnitude, and stated that he became convinced only after personally visiting the site and observing the company’s equipment.
“I personally visited the site multiple times — on Sundays, Saturdays, over 15 times — to ensure the job was done. And today, the road is ready for commissioning”, the Minister said.
The Minister stressed the administration’s commitment to promoting local content, saying the successful delivery of the project by a local contractor reinforces trust in the capacity of Nigerians when properly supported.
He also applauded the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, describing the young appointee as hardworking and resilient. “He has not had one full night of sleep since this project started. I thank him, and if he has a wife, I apologize to her,” the Minister joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Barr. Wike stated that the completion of the road will significantly ease commuting for residents living in satellite towns, enabling them to access the city with relative ease.
The Minister also took a swipe at those he described as expired politicians who have refused to see anything good in the current administration, saying that the government will continue to showcase its achievements for all to see.
According to him, “A lot of people, like those who don’t have vision, who are politically expired, like those since 1999, they have belonged to over ten political parties. Let them see what we are doing. I thank God Today is the 15th day. I thank God. Wherever they are, whichever TV channel they want to watch, they will see Mr. President, what you are doing every day”.
He thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for his consistent encouragement and support in the discharge of his job, and reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud extended gratitude to President Tinubu, the National Assembly and the FCT Minister for their vision and dedication to the development of the FCT and improving the living condition of those in the rural areas.
The Coordinator, Abuja Satellite Towns Development Department, Hon. Zulkiflu, while providing a technical brief of the upgraded Ushafa/War College/Army Checkpoint Road, said the scope of work encompasses the provision of box culverts, concrete line drains, construction of walkway and provision of solar street lights, among other engineering services. He appreciated the FCT Minister for his vision in the development of the satellite towns of the FCT and thanked him for his support and guidance.
RABI MUSA UMAR
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)
02/07/2025
FCTA/ODP/PR/718
