By Safiyat Muhammed
Abuja – June 12, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to welcome the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whenever he decides to join the ruling party.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday while commissioning the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), a major infrastructure project connecting Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), in Maitama District, Abuja. The project was executed under the Wike-led FCT Administration.
Praising the minister’s performance, Tinubu said,
“He could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership.”
President Tinubu acknowledged the cooperation of traditional rulers and communities, particularly in ensuring peaceful relocation and compensation of those affected by the development.
“The government has played its part. I urge you to protect this infrastructure and use it wisely.”
Addressing Wike’s political alignment humorously, Tinubu remarked:
“He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us.’”
Describing the road project as critical to the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu stated:
“What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure… this is the product of visionary leadership.”
He added that the road will ease traffic in Central Abuja and boost access to key districts like Katampe, Jahi, and Bwari, spurring both housing and commercial development.
Reinforcing his administration’s developmental focus, the President declared:
“Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, and opportunity. We can only unlock Nigeria’s full potential through coordinated and integrated development.”
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while speaking at the event, thanked the President for restoring public confidence in government projects, stating that contractor commitment had improved under Tinubu’s leadership.
“This road was awarded by your administration in September 2023 and flagged off the following month. By the time you mark your third anniversary, most of the projects you awarded will be completed.”
Wike stressed the strategic importance of Arterial Road N16, which connects judicial and administrative zones including the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and judges’ quarters.
He also spoke on the visibility of the administration’s achievements:
“Your good works have defeated the coalition. Every TV station must air your project inaugurations for the next 17 days. They’ll have no choice but to watch Mr. President.”
In his technical brief, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), described the 3.7-kilometre road as a six-lane dual carriageway with two additional parking lanes.
The road includes an interchange, flyovers, drainage systems, telecom ducts, sewer and water networks, and modern lighting, linking Maitama, Utako, Jahi, and surrounding districts.
“The project is practically completed and ready for use. It enhances connectivity and boosts development within 21 Abuja districts,” Dauda concluded.
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