Tinubu Opens Airport–Kuje Highway, Hails Wike As ‘Performer’

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering what he described as a long-abandoned road project, saying the completion of the Airport Expressway–Kuje Township Junction road demonstrates the impact of political will in governance.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of Federal Highway 105 in Kuje Area Council on Thursday, said the project reflects the administration’s determination to end abandoned infrastructure and deliver tangible development to Nigerians.

The President specifically praised Wike for overcoming longstanding delays that stalled the project, describing him as a “performer” who consistently delivers results.

“When I appointed the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, I did so because he delivers. Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he said.

“To the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the landlord of Abuja, I say well done. You have proven once again that when we give a task to a performer, the results speak for themselves.”

Tinubu said the newly- completed six-lane dual carriageway represents more than a road project, describing it as part of the administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore public confidence in governance and infrastructure delivery.

“We are not just commissioning a road. We are keeping a promise. Three years ago, we promised Nigerians that the era of abandoned projects would come to an end. Today, Federal Highway 105 is proof that we keep our word,” he said.

He noted that the project, which had been abandoned for years despite previous budgetary allocations, had become a symbol of frustration for residents due to poor access, traffic congestion and safety concerns.

According to him, the completion of the highway will ease transportation challenges, reduce travel time and open up economic opportunities for Kuje and surrounding communities.

“This road changes everything. It removes a major bottleneck, reduces travel time and improves access for businesses, farmers and residents,” he said.

Tinubu added that sustainable development in the Federal Capital Territory depends on the growth of satellite towns, stressing that infrastructure expansion beyond the city centre is key to reducing congestion and attracting investment.

He also urged residents to support government efforts by fulfilling civic obligations such as tax payments and ground rent compliance, while calling on community leaders to help protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

Earlier, Wike said the Airport–Kuje Road was among the most challenging projects inherited by the FCT Administration due to years of abandonment and political disputes surrounding its execution.

He explained that upon assumption of office, he visited all six Area Councils on the President’s directive to identify priority projects, during which the rehabilitation of the road emerged as a major demand from traditional rulers and residents.

“When we came to Kuje, the traditional ruler made two major requests. One was fixing the road towards Gwagwalada because it had become impassable. The second was that despite the contract having been awarded, there was no contractor on site,” Wike said.

He noted that before reconstruction, large portions of the road had deteriorated significantly, posing both security and economic risks to commuters.

“This road was practically non-existent in some places. It became a death trap and a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements,” he said.

Wike added that the project’s completion was made possible through presidential support and a renewed focus on infrastructure delivery that directly impacts citizens.

Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, also described the commissioning as a major milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda, praising both Tinubu and Wike for prioritising infrastructure p in the capital territory.

The project commissioning forms part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office and ongoing inauguration of completed infrastructure projects across the FCT.