We inherited challenges to solve, not abandon — Tinubu

…commissions long-abandoned Kuje road in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration inherited challenges but is committed to solving them rather than abandoning them, Tribune Newspaper reported.

The President disclosed this on Thursday when he commissioned Federal Highway 105, linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in the nation’s capital, Abuja. The project was completed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the supervision of Barr. Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister, to mark the President’s third year in office.

Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu described the completion of the six-lane dual carriageway as evidence of his government’s determination to fulfil promises made to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude. Indeed, we are not just commissioning a road; we are keeping a promise,” the President said.

“Three years ago, we took an oath to serve you. We promised to end the era of abandoned projects. Today, Federal Highway 105 is another proof that we keep our word. Let me be clear: my administration does not inherit problems to abandon them. We inherit challenges to solve them.”

Tinubu recalled that the road project, originally awarded in 2022, had been abandoned and had become a source of frustration for residents and businesses due to persistent gridlock, dust during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season.

He said the situation informed his decision to appoint the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a proven performer capable of delivering results.

“Where there were delays, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he stated.

The President stressed that the significance of the road extends beyond infrastructure, noting that it aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive development.

“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.

According to him, the completed road will drastically reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, boost economic activity and enhance access to markets 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 added.

Tinubu further noted that the road would accelerate the development of satellite towns, decongest Abuja city centre, raise 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. This is how you build an economy from the bottom up,” he said.

The President also urged residents, developers and business owners to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory fees to enable the government to replicate similar projects across the country.

He also charged 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 and the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump. Protect what we have built, and it will serve your children for decades,” he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration, revealing that its completion required persistence, stakeholder engagement and significant financial commitment.

According to him, shortly after assuming office in 2023, the FCT Administration embarked on consultations across the six area councils, where traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted the deplorable condition of the road as a major concern.

“We may not value this road unless we know what it was. This is one road I never imagined would be commissioned today. It was a very, very difficult road,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that despite being awarded on 4 February 2022 at a cost exceeding ₦54 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 the project. At that time, there was no contractor on site. We made a promise, but in my mind I was asking where the money would come from,” he recounted.

Wike said the administration’s determination to restore hope to residents inspired efforts to mobilise resources and ensure completion of the project.

“It was a death trap. It was a haven for kidnappers and hooligans who harassed residents. Today, that story has changed,” he said.

The minister commended the management of Arab Contractors for delivering the project despite challenges and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns.

“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport–Kuje Road is government. Kuje–Gwagwalada Road is government. This is government providing basic infrastructure to the people,” he declared.

Wike further revealed that the President is expected to return in July to commission the ongoing Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway, another major project aimed at transforming the area.

He maintained that Tinubu’s investments in satellite towns would remain a significant chapter in Abuja’s development history.

“What this administration has done for the satellite towns, history will be on your side. We are changing the direction of development in Abuja,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmoud commended Wike for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming Abuja through the delivery of quality infrastructure.

She urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting development, improving mobility and strengthening socio-economic prosperity in the nation’s capital.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory.