President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that no community should suffer or be neglected in the name of national development as he commissioned a newly completed 7-kilometre access road linking Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement in Abuja.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the event, Tinubu said the project was undertaken to address years of neglect experienced by communities that gave up their ancestral lands for the construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the President, the road is more than a transportation project, describing it as a vital economic corridor that will enhance security around the airport, ease traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth in nearby communities.
Tinubu noted that residents had sacrificed their land for a project of national importance but were left without adequate road infrastructure for years. He stressed that development should improve the lives of affected communities rather than leave them disadvantaged.
The President explained that the road and its accompanying four-span bridge will guarantee all-season movement for residents, farmers, businesses, and students, regardless of weather conditions. He added that the project aligns with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda by reducing hardship and expanding access to economic opportunities.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within a short timeframe. He praised Wike’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that construction began shortly after approval was granted in February 2025 and was completed within 16 months.
The President urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing illegal encroachment and maintaining drainage systems. He also reiterated that the economic reforms introduced by his administration were necessary for Nigeria’s long-term growth despite the challenges they may present in the short term.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the road project forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration. He described the project as evidence of the government’s determination to extend development to satellite communities rather than concentrating solely on Abuja’s city centre.
The FCT Minister praised the host community for cooperating with government efforts during the airport expansion project, noting that residents made modest requests focused on employment opportunities and road access rather than financial compensation.
Wike disclosed that the government had fulfilled the employment commitments made to the community and was now delivering the promised road infrastructure. He added that the road improves connectivity between communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council while providing easier access to the airport for residents of Zuba and neighbouring settlements.
He further revealed that plans are underway to extend the road to Zuba to maximise its economic benefits and improve regional connectivity.
