Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday described the Federal Highway 105 linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in the FCT as one of the most challenging inherited by the President Bola Tinubu administration, saying its completion required significant financial commitment and political determination.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wike said the intervention transformed what had become a dangerous corridor into a safe and functional roadway.
“It was a death trap. It was a haven for kidnappers and hooligans who harassed residents. Today, that story has changed,” he said.
The minister said consultations across the six area councils after he assumed office in 2023 revealed widespread frustration over the condition of the road.
“We may not value this unless we know how it was. This is one road that I never dreamt that today we would come and commission. It was a very, very difficult road,” Wike said.
He disclosed that although the contract was awarded on February 4, 2022, at a cost exceeding N54bn, the project stalled before being revived by the present administration.
He commended the contractor, Arab Contractors, for delivering the project despite challenges, and praised President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure expansion in satellite towns.
Wike added that the President would return in July to inaugurate another major project, the Kuje–Gwagwalada dual carriageway, which is nearing completion.
“What this administration has done for the satellite towns, history will be on your side. We are changing the direction of development in Abuja,” he said.
Speaking while inaugurating the road, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the completion of inherited projects rather than abandoning them.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the delivery of the six-lane dual carriageway demonstrated the government’s determination under the Renewed Hope Agenda to fulfil promises made to Nigerians.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude. Indeed, we are not just commissioning a road. We are keeping a promise,” Tinubu said.
The President explained that his administration had taken a firm stance against abandoned infrastructure since assuming office, insisting that ongoing projects would be completed in the public interest.
“Three years ago, we took an oath to serve you. We promised to end the era of abandoned projects. Today, Federal Highway 105 is another proof that we keep our words.
“Let me be clear: my administration does not inherit problems to abandon them. We inherit challenges to solve them,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the road project, awarded in 2022, had remained uncompleted and had become a source of hardship for commuters and businesses due to congestion, dust pollution during the dry season, and flooding during rainfall.
He said the Federal Government had to take decisive steps to ensure its completion, including strengthening oversight of stalled projects through the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” the President noted.
According to him, the benefits of the project extended beyond transportation, forming part of a broader strategy to drive inclusive development.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje. It must be felt by every Nigerian,” he said.
The President said the completed highway would reduce travel time, ease congestion, improve access to markets, and boost economic activity for residents and farmers along the corridor.
He added that the project would stimulate growth in satellite communities around Abuja, ease pressure on the city centre, and attract private investment.
“Abuja cannot grow if only the city centre works. With this road, we decongest the capital, lift property values, attract investment, and help our farmers move farm produce to market without delay. This is how you build an economy from the bottom up,” he said.
Tinubu also urged residents and business owners to support government efforts by complying with tax obligations and other statutory responsibilities, noting that such contributions were necessary for continued infrastructure development.
He further called on communities along the corridor to take responsibility for protecting the facility.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the inauguration as a significant milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would enhance connectivity and support economic growth across the territory.
She commended the project and urged residents to support ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure and living standards.
The inauguration formed part of activities marking Tinubu’s third year in office, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the FCT.