President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
The president stated this on Monday while inaugurating the Outer Southern Expressway, from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1, now renamed the Mahamadou Issoufou Way.
He stated that the unveiling of projects in the Federal Capital Territory was a testament to what can be achieved through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the opened OSEX would not only enhance connectivity, accessibility, and alleviate transport congestion, but also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.
“I reaffirm my administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians. What is unfolding in the Federal Capital is a testament to what can be achieved by the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of quality transformation of the FCT, and indeed Nigeria,” he said.
“Issues undertaken hold profound significance for the FCT and its residents, a function of the Outer Southern Motorway will not only alleviate transport congestion and improve transportation but will also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.
“With the addition of four interchanges, we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.”
The president also commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, describing him as “a force of nature.”
Tinubu, however, said the work was not over, and there were many more challenges to overcome, and many opportunities to explore.
“As we admire the basic infrastructure before us, let us not forget the countless hands that have laboured tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, we owe them all some gratitude. As we celebrate the unveiling of this project, let us also remember that our work is far from over; there are still many challenges to overcome, and many more opportunities to explore, but with determination, perseverance and a shared sense of purpose, which is evident in the FCT, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he added.
In his address, Wike disclosed that the project had been delayed for 11 years, after being first awarded to Messrs CGC Construction Limited at the sum of N39.8bn, and reviewed in 2021 for the sum of N59.9bn.
He expressed gratitude to the President for approving the exit of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account in 2023, adding that the move had restored contractors’ confidence in the FCT Administration, knowing that they had the means to fund projects.
Wike also disclosed that the president would inaugurate a total of 75km of roads across the six Area Councils of the FCT, by the end of the year.
“The cost of this project at the time it was awarded was N39.8bn, but in 2021 it was revised to N59.9bn and it was not easy, knowing full well what we do. Under the TSA it was difficult for us to finished this project. By Mr president allowing us to pull out from this TSA, it became easy for us to access funds and pay contractors.
“Before December, Mr president, we will invite you to inaugurate not less than 75 kilometres of the area council roads, which has never happened before. People have their hope back because before they only heard about the government, but they didn’t see the impact of the government. With the Renewed Hope Agenda, they have known that the government exists, and they can feel the pulse of the government,” he said.
