Tinubu Commissions 16km Carriageway In Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic growth with the commissioning of the newly completed right-hand service carriageway of the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX), linking Route 3 to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), also known as Murtala Muhammed Way, in Abuja.
The 16-kilometre carriageway, stretching from Idu Industrial Area to Zuba Road, was commissioned on Tuesday, with the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who represented the President at the ceremony.
Reading the President’s speech, Barau said, “This infrastructure is a critical piece of the Federal Capital Territory’s master plan, designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents, and businesses in the city.
“This road is not just a road; it is a symbol of progress and a reflection of our administration’s Rehabilitation Agenda — one committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potentials, and supports sustainable development.”
President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his “vision, commitment to quality, and timely execution,” noting that the project is a demonstration of purposeful leadership and a model for national development.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his remarks, revealed that the project was initially awarded in 2014 at a cost of N7bn but rose to N31bn due to inflation and delays.
Wike decried the 11-year duration of the project, and attributed it to poor commitment in the past.
“With simple arithmetic, if the contractor was paid N500 million monthly, this road could have been completed in one year. But it dragged for 11 years. Thanks to Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are seeing the conclusion of such impactful projects,” Wike said.
He disclosed that the Idu Industrial Area, served by the new road, is poised to generate over 40,000 direct jobs once fully developed.
The Minister also hinted that the contractor had expressed willingness to complete the left-hand side of the carriageway, pending approvals and potential tax concessions.
While highlighting other challenges that delayed the project, Wike mentioned the lack of approvals to cross the rail line in the area and absence of Certificates of Occupancy for industrial operators, both of which his administration addressed promptly.
“This road infrastructure is key to economic growth. Investors won’t come where there are no roads. Their job is not to build roads but to invest where basic infrastructure exists,” Wike added, urging continued federal support for FCT projects.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as further evidence of the Tinubu administration’s resolve to deliver people-centered governance.
She noted that the road would ease traffic, boost commerce, and improve daily life for thousands of Abuja residents.
The FCT Administration noted that the newly commissioned carriageway is one of several infrastructure projects under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming the Federal Capital Territory and stimulating economic activities.
Tinubu Commissions 16km Carriageway In Abuja is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
