By Philip Yatai
President Bola Tinubu says the construction of the 7-kilometre road from Tungan Madaki to Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will open the area to investment in housing, schools, health facilities and industries.
Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, made the remarks in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the construction of the road by the FCT Administration.
The president pointed out that the FCT was conceived to serve the entire nation, adding that such a vision could only be achieved when satellite towns and gateway communities were properly integrated to other parts of the country.
“This road is strategic in that regard. It eases pressure on the city centre, creates alternatives for commuters, and strengthens the economic corridor between Abuja, Kaduna and the North West of the country as a whole.
“It also sends a clear signal to investors that this axis is open for housing, schools, health facilities and industries,” he said.
Tinubu said that Tungan Madaki, Zuba, and the communities along the road corridor were home to some of the hardest working Nigerians.
He, however, noted that for many years, poor road access made life difficult for the residents.
“They are farmers who feed our city, traders who move goods daily, students who commute for education, and families who deserve the same dignity of access as those in the city centre.
“During the rains, movement was cut off. During harvest, produce was lost before it reached the markets, hours were wasted in transit and the cost of doing business remained high.
“That changes today. This new road will link Tungan Madaki directly to the Abuja-Kaduna Road, cutting travel time, reducing vehicle maintenance costs, and opening a faster route for people and goods,” he said.
The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team, for the discipline and speed with which projects were being delivered.
In his remarks, Wike, said the road project was in line with Tinubu’s directive that all satellite towns and area councils should be adequately connected to the city centre through modern road infrastructure.
The minister disclosed that the project was considered after the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council drew the administration’s attention to the need for a direct link between Zuba and Abuja to reduce travel stress on residents.
He explained that upon completion, residents of Zuba and adjoining communities would enjoy easier access to Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport without having to travel through Gwagwalada.
He described the project as another “milestone” in the FCT Administration’s efforts to open up rural communities and improve the quality of life of residents.
“We are putting pressure on the contractor to complete and hand over the project by December so that we will inaugurate the road for the people of Tungan Madaki and Zuba as a Christmas gift,” Wike said.
On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the construction of the access road would extend infrastructure and economic opportunities to underserved communities.
Mahmoud said the road would significantly improve connectivity, stimulate commerce, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life of residents across Tungan Madaki, Zuba, and neighbouring communities.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the 7-km road, when completed, would link the Bill Clinton Drive to the Federal Highway A2 (Kaduna-Abuja-Lokoja highway) by Zuba.
Dauda added that the road would also link several communities along the corridor.
He identified the communities as Tungan Wakili, Angwan Ashere, Tungan Jawa, Tungan Nasara, Tungan Samu, Ammawa, and Jawa—all in Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council.
“This connection will provide an alternative route to those coming to the airport from the Zuba area and from Kaduna and Kogi states.
“The road will also open up the agricultural hinterland, reduce travel time, and enhance security in this area. It will also facilitate socioeconomic activities and open up the aerotropolis area for further development,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi