FCT Satellite Roads Will Boost Local Economy, Ease Congestion – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has says the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure across the satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are aimed at stimulating local economic activities, reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life of residents.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of the rehabilitated and expanded Karu Township Roads in Abuja, Tinubu described the project as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to resolving urban congestion and lifting the living standards of people in the FCT, adding that it reflected the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda through modern infrastructure development.

“When we took office three years ago, we recognised that true development must reach where the people actually live, work and commute,” he said.

He noted that the Karu corridor, a major gateway linking the FCT with neighbouring states, had long been plagued by severe traffic congestion, reducing productivity and wasting commuters’ time.

“By expanding and rehabilitating these roads, we are not just laying asphalt; we are injecting life back into the local economy,” the President said.

According to him, the completed project has significantly reduced travel time, eliminated persistent gridlock and created a more conducive environment for businesses to flourish in one of the capital city’s busiest satellite communities.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his focused and relentless supervision of infrastructure projects across Abuja.

“The rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without the dogged, relentless and focused supervision of the Minister. His aggressive implementation of our urban renewal master plan is visible for everyone to see,” he said.

He added that by prioritising strategic road projects in densely populated satellite towns such as Karu alongside developments in the city centre, the FCT Administration was demonstrating that the benefits of governance should be enjoyed by all residents, regardless of social status.

The President also praised the contractor, Abdul-Val Construction Limited, for delivering the project on schedule and to high standards, saying the feat proves that indigenous firms can compete favourably with international construction companies in quality and project execution.

Earlier in his welcome address, Wike said the completed roads had transformed Karu’s landscape and urged residents to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts to improve their welfare.

“It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to or the association you belong to. When you see a good thing, say it is a good thing,” the Minister said.

He added that the newly completed roads would benefit everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Whether anybody hates President Tinubu or not, nobody can hate this road. Opposition members use this road, those in government use it, and even those who claim not to be politicians also use it,” Wike said.

The Minister assured residents that all communities and districts in the FCT would continue to benefit from infrastructure development and other dividends of democracy under the Tinubu administration.

He also applauded Abdul-Val Construction Limited for its commitment to the project, noting that the company continued working even when payments were delayed, reflecting its confidence in the government.

“It is rare these days to find people who will commit their own resources to execute projects with the confidence that they will eventually be paid,” he said.

Earlier, the coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project, awarded in August 2025, covers the road linking the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to the Customs Clinic Junction.

He explained that the project also includes the rehabilitation of the DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road within Karu town.

According to him, the completed roads will improve accessibility, facilitate the free flow of traffic, enhance drainage infrastructure and strengthen the security of lives and property in the area.

Zulkiflu described Karu as one of the most densely populated satellite towns in the FCT, adding that the new road network now enables commuters to access the city centre in less than 10 minutes.