By Olawumi Oyehan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, said, the logic behind his administration providing infrastructure, is ‘build the roads, unlock the economy, and let Nigerians thrive’.
Tinubu stated this while commissioning interchange and road at Arterial Road N16 – Ring Road Il Intersection linking Jahi District to Gwarimpa District, Abuja.
He noted that infrastructure is the foundation of prosperity and roads are the arteries of a nation.
Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said this is not just a road or bridge but freedom of movement.
The President said, “Today, I am proud to stand here to commission this interchange at Arterial Road N16 – linking Jahi District to Gwarimpa District of the Federal Capital Territory. This is not just a bridge and slip roads. This is freedom of movement. This is time returned to our people. This is Renewed Hope you can drive on.
”This intersection used to choke Abuja. Gridlock stretched from Maitama to Gishiri, from Jahi to Gwarimpa. Hours were lost. Fuel was wasted. Businesses delayed. Today, that story ends. This interchange opens up critical districts of the Federal Capital City and connects them smoothly to the rest of the Territory. Goods will now move faster. Workers will get home earlier. Students will get to class on time. Security will improve because criminals thrive where traffic stands still.
”Infrastructure is the foundation of prosperity. Roads are the arteries of a nation. When we connect districts, we connect destinies. That is the logic of the Renewed Hope Agenda: build the roads, unlock the economy, and let Nigerians thrive.
” The Jahi/Gwarimpa Interchange is proof that Nigeria is not beyond redemption. With focus, with discipline, with political will, we can deliver” .
The President therefore tasked the residents to own the infrastructure and protect it.
He also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,
In his address, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said, his administration is not only providing road networks, the administration is also providing infrastructure in other sectors.
He said, “But let me say that it is not correct that we are only doing roads. It is not correct. The other day, you saw us when we went to Karu, providing water. Under him as a Senate President, there was no provision to give the satellite towns in Abuja water. But under our own leadership, he did not only make provision for funding of supply of water in the satellite areas, he made sure the money was released.
”That is the difference. The other day we were in Karu to commission the provision of water in Karu. On the 14th of July, this month, by the grace of God, Mr. President, being represented, we will also commission the provision of water in Bwari. Let the chairman of the ADC faction tell us, show us in the budget where he made provision for provision of water in satellite towns”.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Mahmoud said that the interchange is more than a traffic management facility, emphasizing that it serves as a critical link connecting communities, businesses, and opportunities across Abuja.
According to her, the project will significantly reduce travel time, improve access to commercial centres, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and support the growing demands of the Federal Capital Territory’s expanding population.
Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and sustained support for infrastructure development, stating that the Renewed Hope Agenda is steadily translating into tangible projects that are transforming the nation’s capital and improving the quality of life of residents.
The Minister also described Barrister Nyesom Wike as a result-oriented leader whose commitment to rapid development continues to inspire confidence and accelerate the transformation of Abuja into a modern and globally competitive city.
She urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and support government efforts aimed at building a more connected, prosperous, and inclusive capital city.