Wike, Dare, Others To Grace Abuja City Int’l Half Marathon As FCTA Issues Traffic Advisory

With just 24 hours remaining until the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, excitement is building across Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Top dignitaries and participating athletes are preparing for the event. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, now the Presidential Spokesman, Sunday Dare, headline the list of senior government officials expected to grace the marathon.

Other attendees include the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, among others. Their presence highlights the growing national significance of the race, which continues to position Abuja as a premier destination for international sporting events.

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has rapidly become a fixture on Nigeria’s sports calendar, attracting elite runners, fitness enthusiasts, and spectators eager to witness world-class competition through the capital’s streets. This year’s edition will not only promote sports development but also showcase Abuja’s tourism potential and reinforce the commitment of key public and private institutions to youth engagement and healthy living.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued an official traffic advisory ahead of the race, scheduled for Saturday, 6th December 2025, in Abuja. To ensure the safety of thousands of expected athletes and smooth event coordination, the entire marathon route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Motorists are advised to plan alternative travel routes in advance to avoid delays.

According to organisers, the race will commence at the National Federal Fire Service, Mohammed Buhari Way, proceeding straight before Gana Street, then turning right into Constitution Avenue. It will continue straight to the Federal Secretariat, turn right onto Shehu Shagari Way, then move straight past the Court of Appeal before turning left into Goodluck Jonathan Expressway. Participants will continue straight and turn right onto Murtala Mohammed Expressway, then head straight to Apo Roundabout, turn right onto Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, and continue straight to the Area 1 / Galadimawa Roundabout. From there, they will turn left onto Ambassador Valentine Okereke Boulevard, proceed straight, and turn right onto Christopher Gwabin Musa Way, continuing straight and turning right into Package B Sports Complex, running through Package B into Package A. The finish line is in front of the Velodrome, Abuja.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) confirms that traffic and security personnel will be stationed along the entire course to guide motorists, manage diversions, and ensure public safety. Motorists are urged to comply with all instructions from on-site officers.