President Tinubu commissions the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja, a key infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic development and connectivity i
President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway, linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction in the Federal Capital Territory, describing the project as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and drive economic development in the capital.
In his address, Tinubu, represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the administration had remained focused on delivering projects that translate into visible improvements in citizens’ lives. He said his administration had prioritised hard work and practical results over quick fixes, noting that governance must deliver tangible benefits.
“Fellow citizens, when we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work.
“We promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on! ” the president stated. Tinubu said the project reflected the broader role of infrastructure in economic development and job creation. He stated, “What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete.
We are paving the way for a brighter future. Look around you. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth.
“If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker, and the industrialist—you build roads. ” Tinubu recalled earlier phases of the Outer Southern Expressway project, including previous sections already completed and commissioned. The president noted, “We inherited this journey of the Outer Southern Expressway.
Right here in June 2024, we commissioned the first stage from the Villa Roundabout all the way to the Ring Road 1 Junction, complete with its interchanges. He stressed the administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects across the country.
“I have said it before; we don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away! We finish what we start,” he said. Describing the latest milestone, he said the government was expanding the expressway further to improve connectivity across Abuja.
The president also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as effective leadership in transforming infrastructure in Abuja.
“Minister Wike, you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive.
“This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda—delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time. I thank you,” the president added.
“Dear residents of the FCT, the benefits of this vital road infrastructure, for which we are gathered here today to celebrate, are quite immense. Let us think about the thousands of commuters who will no longer be trapped in gridlock.
“Think about the fuel saved, the man-hours gained, and the seamless connection this creates across the capital city. By linking the Apo District to Wasa, we are expanding Abuja’s economic footprint, opening up new areas for development, and lowering the cost of doing business,” he explained. He also acknowledged the contributions of engineers, workers, and local communities affected during construction. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development nationwide, he said investments would continue across all sectors and regions.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reassure you that our administration remains fiercely committed to infrastructure development across every single block of this federation. “We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people,” the president concluded.
Earlier, Wike explained that the OSEX project was awarded between October and November of the previous year to construction firm CGC, and that he had initially pressed the contractor on whether it could be delivered within the administration’s third anniversary timeline. According to him, the company assured him of delivery within the expected period despite the scale of work, which included multiple culverts and bridges.
He said he personally inspected the project site on several occasions to ensure progress and expressed satisfaction that the contractor fulfilled its commitment. Wike stated, “I have inspected this road several times to ensure they would keep their promise. Indeed, they did. I sincerely want to thank CGC.
This shows that nothing is impossible when there is determination and commitment. ” The minister also referenced efforts to relocate traders from Apo Mechanic Village, saying that successive administrations had made promises to provide a more structured and comfortable location for informal sector operators. He said the current administration had now fulfilled that commitment by providing infrastructure, including access roads and water supply, at an alternative site.
Wike further emphasised what he described as the principle of continuity in governance, noting that a considerable portion of completed projects under the present administration were inherited from previous governments but were continued and delivered rather than abandoned.
“One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects, not just projects initiated by you but also those initiated by previous administrations. This administration has demonstrated that commitment,” the minister noted. Wike further stated, “Since 2023, when Mr President inaugurated us as ministers, at least 80 per cent of the projects we have completed were inherited from previous administrations. That is leadership.
” He added that ongoing project commissioning activities would extend beyond the city centre to satellite towns, including roads in Kwali, Karu, Kubwa, and other surrounding communities, as well as water supply projects across the territory. According to him, the development drive demonstrates that infrastructure investments are being extended across the entire FCT rather than concentrated in central districts.
He urged residents to acknowledge the progress being made, while thanking the President for providing support for project delivery across the territory. Gift Habib is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience reporting on foreign affairs, elections, security, and related issues. She specializes in covering complex political and security developments, providing context and clarity for readers. Her work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, insightful, and trustworthy journalism.
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