President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, declaring that the government has no intention of slowing down its development agenda.
The President made the pledge on Thursday during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Old Keffi Road, which stretches from Kado Fish Market to Deidei Junction in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, boosting economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
According to the President, the newly commissioned road will serve as a vital link connecting several communities, including Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Idu, Karmo and Deidei, while improving access to the Outer Northern Expressway.
“This road is more than a carriageway but an economic artery by linking Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Idu, Karmo, and Deidei directly to the Outer Northern Expressway,” Tinubu said.
“We have cut travel time, we have cut the cost for residents, goods would now move faster, markets would breathe, and workers would get to their destinations and their jobs with less stress. And I dare say that prosperity will increase for the people of this environment.”
The President said improved road infrastructure would stimulate commerce, ease transportation challenges and create better economic opportunities for residents and businesses operating within the affected communities.
Tinubu also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for implementing the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, which aims to improve security and economic activities through expanded street lighting across the capital city.
According to him, the installation of streetlights along key roads demonstrates the practical benefits of democratic governance.
“Through your Light Up Abuja initiative, we have integrated street lights here so movement at night is safer and commerce at night can extend beyond sunset,” he said.
“That is what the dividends of democracy look like. Government shows love where the citizens live and citizens show love to applaud government and expect more from government.”
The President urged residents and traditional rulers within the affected communities to take ownership of the infrastructure by protecting public facilities and reporting any damage promptly.
“To the residents and traditional rulers of these communities, this infrastructure belongs to you, guard it jealously, do not vandalize the street lights, do not block the drainage with refuse, report any damage early for easier rehabilitation,” he stated.
“The road maintained by its community lasts for a generation, the road abused by its community dies early and the choice is ours.”
Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of the FCT, including the area councils, stressing that every citizen deserves to benefit from government projects regardless of where they live.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are not slowing down across the FCT. From the centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, for safety, and for growth.
“Every district deserves access, every citizen deserves to feel the impact of my administration wherever you live.”
He called on Nigerians to support government efforts to transform the country and work collectively towards national development.
“Let us join hands for good, let us join hands for development, and together we can build a Nigeria of our dreams,” the President said.
Tinubu then formally declared the road project open, describing it as a critical infrastructure investment that would improve mobility, strengthen security and contribute to the continued development of both the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria as a whole.
