Abuja road projects will be replicated across Nigeria, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to replicate the road projects in Abuja across Nigeria to drive economic growth.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Murtala Mohammed expressway, the right-hand service carriageway of the inter-northern expressway (INEX) running from Ring Road III to the outer northern expressway (ONEX).

The president was represented by Barau Jibrin, the deputy senate president.

Tinubu described the newly constructed INEX as a “critical piece” of the federal territory master plan.

He said the road would connect key junctions and also facilitate safer and faster movement within Abuja’s transport corridors.

The president said the project will open more opportunities for businesses, housing, and investment in the adjoining districts.

“It is quite apt to say that projects like these are a testament to what we can achieve when planning, execution and leadership are aligned with purpose,” the politician said.

“We are determined to replicate these sources (sic) in every part of the country with roads, bridges, railways and more, ensuring that no region is left behind.”

Tinubu said the project was designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents, and businesses in the federal capital territory (FCT).

He commended Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT, for his vision and commitment to quality and timely execution, describing the road as a symbol of progress and a reflection of the ‘renewed hope’ agenda.

‘PROJECT COST SOARED FROM N7 BILLION TO N31 BILLION’

Wike disclosed that the 16-kilometre road, awarded in 2014 for N7 billion, was completed by his administration at N31 billion due to inflation and variation, aligning with Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda to finish impactful projects.

The minister commended the president for concluding the project, noting that the nearby industrial park would create 40,000 direct jobs and help solve some problems if given adequate support.

He said road infrastructure drives economic growth, noting that investors are attracted by good roads, and appealed for Tinubu’s continued support for Abuja’s development.

Also speaking at the inauguration, Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT minister of state, described the project as a testament to Tinubu’s resolve for impactful governance, saying it symbolises collective efforts to build a better and more connected Nigeria.

Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), said the INEX road is a key 32.5-kilometre, 10-lane expressway in Abuja’s master plan, linking the city’s northern flank.

Dauda said the road was planned to consist of two main carriageways of three lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each.

He said the road’s master plan outlines a route from Maitama’s IBB Golf Course through the Central Area, Phase I and II, to Wuye and Dakibiyu Districts.

Dauda added that the road spans from Phase III to Phase IV, through the Idu Industrial Area, terminating at ONEX.

He said the project is being developed in stages, with the current section being the second phase.