President Bola Tinubu has reassured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that his administration will stand by him as a team leader.
This affirmation came during the commissioning of the Southern Parkway Road in Abuja, where the FCT Minister named the newly completed road as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
Tinubu commended Wike for his visionary leadership, describing it as revolutionary and inspiring to many.
He acknowledged the positive changes made by the Minister to the FCT, both structurally and administratively, emphasizing that these efforts are yielding tangible results and uplifting the spirits of Nigerians.
Tinubu said, “I will not say that I am surprised. Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this home, and sincere commitment to shared value. Well done; as a team leader, you work so hard, tirelessly.
“I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – are yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians, thank you very much.”
Noting that the project marked a significant milestone in the journey of the nation towards progress and development, Tinubu said, “As we commemorate our first year in office when I was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job on our (not sure).
“But transformative projects you are seeing, I heard from his remark that this project could have been an abandoned project for 13 years, scratching the surface.
“Once again, our dear landlord, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory. I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.
“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT.
“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-class capital city.
“We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.
“The needs of our citizens is paramount in our minds, so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.
“As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down.
“To me, the contractor’s evaluation is in the hands of Nyesom Wike and his team. I just recognise his presence being here. The meaning of this success is more job, more hard work.”
Speaking earlier, Wike stated that the landmark project was among the first nine visionary projects programmed for commissioning by Mr President in the coming days.
He said, “As we mark the first year of your transformative leadership, Mr. President, this event underscores our shared commitment to progress, innovation, and the enduring prosperity of Nigeria.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a roadway, but the opening of new pathways to economic growth and national unity.
“The Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.
“The other principal artery is the Northern Parkway which has been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern districts.
“Your Excellency, to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway at par with the Northern Parkway, this project which was awarded in December, 2011 to Messrs Setraco Nig. Ltd. at the contract sum of N16,234,553,335.64 (Sixteen billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira, Sixty Four Kobo), was later revised to N35,757,763,310.18 (Thirty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Six-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira, Eighteen Kobo) in March, 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.
“The scope of work comprised of the construction of 5.4km length of the road – made up of 2 main carriageways of 4 lanes each and 2 service carriageways of 2 lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes. It also includes the construction of 4 number Interchanges (a total of 8 bridges) in addition to the provision of associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.
“I am happy to further inform your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President. The completion of the project will indeed enhance traffic circulation around the City Centre thereby reducing delays in travel time; complementing the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi as well as accelerating the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.“