‘You Have Not Disappointed Me’ — Tinubu Hails Wike as Abuja Transformation Gains Momentum

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, delivered his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor had justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in Katampe District, the President said Wike’s performance had exceeded expectations, citing the rapid delivery of roads, water projects, judicial infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives across the Federal Capital Territory.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr. President,” Tinubu said.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr. Project’ for a reason.”

The President’s remarks came as the FCT Administration marked the eighth day of a marathon commissioning exercise showcasing infrastructure projects delivered under the Tinubu administration.

Tinubu described the newly completed road as a symbol of the administration’s determination to restore confidence in governance through visible development.

According to him, the installation of solar-powered street lights along major corridors has improved security while helping to revive Abuja’s nightlife and economic activities.

“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

The President stressed that the significance of the road extends beyond its physical structure.

“CN2 is more than concrete and asphalt. It represents hope. It demonstrates that government can deliver. It shows Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible results.”

The commissioning comes amid a wave of infrastructure development across the FCT, where new roads, bridges, water schemes and public facilities have altered the urban landscape and accelerated private sector investments.

In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe road project was conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that had become apparent following the completion of adjoining road networks.

“Last year, when Mr. President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The Minister noted that the project has already unlocked significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and stimulating economic activities.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he stated.

Wike argued that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for economic growth and job creation, saying thousands of Nigerians have benefited directly and indirectly from ongoing projects across the territory.

He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to extend development beyond the city centre into satellite communities.

Referencing the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki communities, Wike said the Tinubu administration was determined to ensure that rural and semi-urban communities also feel the impact of governance.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

The Minister further disclosed that another major milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns.

In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflects President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

With the latest commissioning, the FCT Administration has intensified efforts to position Abuja as a modern, globally competitive capital city, while reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s narrative that infrastructure remains central to its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, walkways and green areas.

According to him, the road improves connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development.