President Bola Tinubu has urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay their taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges, saying government revenue is essential for the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure across Abuja.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration of the completed Arterial Road N5 linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja.
The road project, which is expected to improve transportation and economic activities in several parts of the capital city, forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the government could only sustain infrastructure development if citizens and businesses fulfilled their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and other approved charges.
According to him, revenue generated from taxes, land fees and ground rents provides the resources needed to execute projects that improve the quality of life for residents.
“To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that infrastructure development remains a major pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stressed that ongoing projects across the country are designed to improve economic growth, create jobs and enhance the living conditions of Nigerians.
He said the completion of the road demonstrated the government’s commitment to delivering projects from start to finish rather than abandoning them midway.
The President recalled that during the inauguration of an earlier phase of the road project in 2025, he had assured residents that the remaining section would be completed.
“On that day, I pledged not to leave this vital artery half-done. Because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects, it is about delivery from start to finish.
“And so today, we are back. We are back to close the circle. We are back to commission the Dape District Section of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III,” he said.
The newly completed road is expected to improve movement within several rapidly developing districts in Abuja. It will connect communities such as Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa, Kado, Mbora and Idu, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion in the area.
The President said the road would also have a positive effect on economic activities by providing easier access to commercial and industrial centres.
According to him, one of the key benefits of the project is its direct connection to the Idu Industrial District, a major industrial and business hub within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Beyond that, this road opens a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District. That means lower logistics costs for businesses, new investment and more jobs for our people,” Tinubu stated.
Observers say improved road networks are critical to Abuja’s continued expansion, particularly as new residential estates, business districts and industrial zones emerge around the city.
Over the years, rapid population growth in the FCT has increased pressure on existing infrastructure, leading to growing demands for better roads, transportation systems and public services.
The President noted that the project was awarded in October 2024 and completed within the approved timeline, describing the achievement as evidence that government projects can be delivered efficiently when there is proper planning and supervision.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his team for their role in executing infrastructure projects across Abuja.
According to Tinubu, the current pace of project delivery in the FCT demonstrates what can be achieved when public officials are committed to accountability and results.
“Minister Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” the President said.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister in August 2023, Wike has overseen the execution of numerous road projects and other infrastructure developments within the capital city and surrounding satellite towns.
The administration has repeatedly stated that infrastructure expansion remains central to efforts aimed at improving living standards and attracting investment to the FCT.
Speaking earlier at the event, Wike highlighted what he described as significant progress in project delivery under the Tinubu administration.
He said the scale of infrastructure development in the territory has increased steadily over the past three years.
According to the minister, the number of projects being commissioned each year reflects the administration’s commitment to development.
“On June 24, 2024, when we had the first anniversary of Mr President, we took nine days of commissioning of projects.
“On the second anniversary, we took 19 days. To the glory of God, in this third year, we are touching 31 days of commissioning of projects,” Wike said.
The minister argued that the increase in completed projects demonstrates a growing commitment to infrastructure delivery across the capital.
He also noted that government attention is no longer focused solely on the city centre, as many satellite communities are now benefiting from road construction and other public works.
For years, residents of many suburban areas around Abuja complained of inadequate infrastructure compared to the central districts of the city. However, recent projects have sought to address these concerns by extending development to outlying communities.
Wike further addressed complaints regarding compensation paid to property owners affected by demolitions carried out during the execution of the road project.
He dismissed allegations that some affected individuals were not compensated, insisting that all eligible property owners received payment in accordance with established procedures.
The issue of compensation has often generated controversy during major infrastructure projects in Abuja, particularly where buildings and structures are removed to make way for road expansion and urban development.
Nevertheless, the minister maintained that the government acted responsibly throughout the process and complied with relevant regulations.
The inauguration of the Arterial Road N5 project is one of several activities organised to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
As the government continues to showcase completed projects across the country, officials say improved infrastructure remains a key strategy for stimulating economic growth, attracting investment and improving the daily lives of Nigerians.
For residents of Dape, Life Camp, Karmo, Gwarinpa, Mbora, Kado and neighbouring communities, the newly commissioned road is expected to ease transportation challenges and open up new opportunities for business and development.
The Federal Government believes that continued compliance with tax obligations and statutory payments will provide the resources needed to sustain such projects and expand infrastructure development across the nation’s capital in the years ahead.