Functional capital city vital to national progress — Tinubu

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban renewal and inclusive development, stressing that a functional capital city is crucial to building a thriving nation.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated this on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly completed Collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Way) and adjoining roads in the Dakibiyu District of Abuja.

The President described the infrastructural upgrade as a demonstration of his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at delivering practical benefits that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.

“When a city works—when its roads are paved, its lights stay on, and its arteries flow without congestion—it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful,” Tinubu said.

He added that the improvements would have both immediate and lasting impacts, noting, “Commutes will shorten. Congestion will ease. And most crucially, livelihoods will flourish.”

The newly commissioned roads connect critical institutions, including the Police Service Commission Headquarters, the FCT High Court in Jabi, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, speaking at the event, expressed satisfaction with the project’s swift delivery. He said, “You cannot believe that, as a city, we could have had such terrible roads.” Wike noted that the road was approved in September and delivered in record time.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, also lauded President Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to inclusive development. She commended all stakeholders for their contributions to the project’s success.