President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signalled the readiness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to welcome the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, into its fold, as he commissioned a major road project executed by Wike’s administration on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the official commissioning of Arterial Road N16 in the Maitama District, President Tinubu praised the former Rivers State Governor for his leadership and infrastructure delivery capacity. The newly completed road connects Shehu Shagari Way (Ring Road One) to Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) and includes interchanges, feeder roads, and several engineering enhancements.
Although Mr Wike is not currently a member of the APC, the president hinted at the possibility of his defection with a touch of humour.
“He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us’,” President Tinubu said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
The president described the project as a milestone in his administration’s infrastructure agenda, crediting Mr Wike and his team for realising a long-abandoned corridor in line with Abuja’s original master plan.
“This road affirms our commitment to transformation under our Renewed Hope Agenda. What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure, an artery fully realised through the leadership of the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barrister Wike,” Mr Tinubu stated.
He added that the road would ease traffic congestion around central Abuja and enhance access to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi, and Bwari, thereby spurring economic activity and housing growth.
“This corridor had remained underdeveloped for years. Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” the president emphasised. “There is no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads. We invest in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure. We can only unlock Nigeria’s full potential through this coordinated and integrated development. I promise you, we will.”
Commending the FCT minister’s coordination of stakeholders, the president acknowledged the peaceful relocation of affected communities.
“I commend the minister for relocating the local communities affected by the development, with peace and good compensation. The government has played its part. I urge you to protect this infrastructure and use it wisely.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development despite political distractions, he said, “We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter how much the lesser minds pursue their politics.”
In his remarks, Mr Wike lauded the president’s leadership for restoring public trust in governance and improving contractors’ confidence to deliver without upfront mobilisation.
“Companies and contractors are competing among themselves to have jobs awarded to them, and they are ready to mobilise to the site without the government paying them for the initial mobilisation. That is confidence-building, and that’s what you’ve created,” the minister said.
He stressed that the project, approved by the Federal Executive Council in September 2023 and launched a month later, was not inherited but fully initiated by the Tinubu administration. “This road was awarded by the administration. It is not one of those projects we inherited.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of the completed corridor, Mr Wike said, “It leads to the judges’ quarters, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the Federal Capital Territory. The judges’ court is almost ready.”
Addressing the political climate, Mr Wike claimed the administration’s performance had silenced critics. “Your good works have defeated the coalition. I have instructed my people to ensure that every national television station must hook into the inauguration of projects. They will see what is happening on national television every day on every television channel. They have no choice but to watch Mr President for the next 17 days.”
Giving a technical overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, described Arterial Road N16 as a vital link connecting key districts of Abuja.
“The corridor integrates Maitama, Katampe, Utako, Jahi, and surrounding districts, providing critical linkages for residents and commercial users,” Mr Dauda said. He detailed the project’s scope to include a six-lane dual carriageway with additional parking lanes, effectively creating an eight-lane road. It also features a flyover, two bridges, a complex interchange, underground drainage, water supply networks, sewage systems, and modern street lighting.
“The work has been practically completed and is ready to be used. The completion of this project has provided the much-needed circulation and connection within the city, especially linking the 21 districts of Maitama, Utako, Jahi, and others,” Mr Dauda concluded.
