President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and national growth following the commissioning of a major new road in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday. The CN2 Collector Road, popularly known as Zakari A. Kiari Street was completed about four months ahead of its 12-month schedule.
The road connects the busy Amadu Bello Way to Katampe District and several adjoining communities. It is expected to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity in parts of Abuja
Representing the president at the event on Thursday, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his timely execution of infrastructural projects.
Kalu said, “I bring greetings from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently attending to the crisis in Benue. He has asked me to represent him and affirm his commitment to the development of the FCT.
“This road reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for Nigerians. Infrastructure is not an expenditure; it is an investment in the people.”
The project was executed by CGC Nigeria Limited and completed within 8 to 9 months.
Kalu, speaking on behalf of the president, urged residents of Mabushi, Katampe, and surrounding areas to preserve the road and use it responsibly.
“We will not rest until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance. Let us move forward united in purpose, bold in vision, and unshaken in our belief that a greater Nigeria is possible,” he added.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his address,Wike said: “This road does not only lead to Judges’ Quarters. It opens up many adjoining areas and adds immense value to properties in this axis.
“People now may have to think twice before attempting to buy land here. The value has skyrocketed. That’s what development brings.”
Wike commended CGC for their capacity to deliver ahead of schedule, adding that projects should always be awarded to contractors who can deliver efficiently.
“Tax evasion by big men must end,” the minister cautioned.
“No poor man is building these houses. They are built by the rich. But the big men are the ones who don’t want to pay taxes. You pay your property taxes in London and America, but here you want special treatment. We need these taxes to fund infrastructure,” he said.
He further explained the funding challenges facing the FCT administration, and revealed that the city only receives 1% of the federal government’s monthly allocation, approximately N8bn out of N800bn, which according to him is insufficient to cover salary obligations which now exceeds N13bn monthly.
The minister further said that the CN2 road commissioning is the fourth major project handled by CGC Nigeria Limited following similar infrastructure deliveries in Gwagwalada, Wuye, and the Abuja Greater Water Supply project.
Wike also disclosed plans to commission another road in Life Camp on Friday, as part of a 17-day development commissioning drive in the FCT.
