Tinubu Reveals Why He Appointed Wike as FCT Minister, Inaugurates Major Abuja Road

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he appointed Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because of his proven capacity to deliver projects and infrastructure.

Tinubu made the remarks during the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, which links the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in Abuja.

The President, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that the ceremony was part of activities marking his third year in office.

He recalled that the road project, initially awarded in 2022, was abandoned and had become a major source of hardship for residents and businesses due to gridlock, dust during the dry season, and flooding in the rainy season.

According to him, the challenges surrounding the project influenced his decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister, describing him as a “proven performer capable of delivering results.”

“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that the significance of the project goes beyond infrastructure, adding that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to drive inclusive development across all levels of society.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje. It must be felt by every Nigerian,” he said.

Tinubu added that the completed road would reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, improve access to markets, and boost economic activities for farmers and businesses.

“You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck that characterised the Kuje–Airport Road axis before now. Lost man-hours are now being returned to the people. Time is money, and we are putting that time back in your pocket,” he said.

He further noted that the project would support the development of satellite towns, decongest Abuja’s city centre, increase property values, and attract private investment.

“Abuja cannot grow if only the city centre works. With this road, we decongest the capital, lift property values, attract investment, and help our farmers move farm produce to market without delay,” he added.

The President also urged residents, developers, and business owners to meet their civic obligations by paying taxes, ground rents, and other statutory fees to enable government replicate similar projects nationwide.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths in Kuje to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.

“This road is yours. Guard it. Protect the streetlights, the drainage, the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump,” he warned.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the project as one of the most challenging undertaken by the administration, noting that its completion required persistence, consultation, and significant funding.

He said consultations with area councils after he assumed office in 2023 revealed widespread concern over the poor condition of the road.

Wike added that although the project was awarded on February 4, 2022, at over N54 billion, work had stalled before the current administration intervened.

“It became a political road. The Gomo of Kuje and other stakeholders pleaded with us to revive it. At that time, there was no contractor on site,” he said.

He explained that the road was previously a “death trap” and a haven for criminal activity, but said the situation had now changed with its completion.

Wike commended the contractors for their work and praised President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns.

“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport–Kuje Road is government,” he said.

He also disclosed that Tinubu is expected to commission the ongoing Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway in July, describing ongoing projects as part of efforts to reshape Abuja’s development.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, also described the project as a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it would improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and enhance living standards.

She commended Wike’s leadership and urged residents to support government efforts aimed at advancing development across the capital.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, with several infrastructure projects being inaugurated across the FCT.