Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare and living conditions of residents of Abuja through the execution of critical infrastructure projects.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Collector Road CO1, a major road project linking the Nile University area to Ring Road III, as well as the extension of the Body of Benchers Road in Abuja.
The minister said the President’s presence at the event, despite having earlier flagged off another major road project in the capital city, demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the development of the FCT and the well-being of its residents.
According to Wike, Tinubu had earlier in the day performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Parkway project before attending the launch of the Collector Road CO1 project.
“Mr President, this morning you flagged off the construction of the Southern Parkway and this afternoon you have also made time to be here to flag off the Arterial Road CO1 from the Nile University area to Ring Road III,” Wike said.
He added that the President’s active involvement in infrastructure development in Abuja showed that the administration was focused on providing better roads and public facilities for citizens.
“That, of course, shows how committed you are to the welfare of citizens and residents of Abuja,” the minister stated.
The new road project is expected to improve movement within a rapidly developing part of the Federal Capital Territory and provide easier access to several important institutions and residential areas.
Wike explained that one of the major reasons for the project was to address persistent traffic congestion experienced during events organised by the Body of Benchers, the body responsible for regulating legal practice and admission to the Nigerian Bar.
According to him, concerns about traffic challenges in the area were raised during a recent call-to-bar ceremony attended by legal practitioners, judges, and senior members of the legal profession.
He recalled that the Chairman of the Body of Benchers had appealed to the FCT Administration to intervene and improve access roads around the institution due to the heavy traffic usually experienced during major ceremonies.
“Our attention was drawn to the issue by the Body of Benchers during the call to bar of our legal practitioners,” Wike said.
“The Chairman of the Body of Benchers pleaded with the FCT Administration because of the traffic problems experienced during bar ceremonies. It became necessary for that road to be put in place and we acted on it.”
The minister noted that part of the road infrastructure linked to the Body of Benchers had already been completed and was among projects commissioned during activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
He assured residents that the continuation of the road construction would provide a lasting solution to traffic bottlenecks in the area.
“We are happy to have completed part of it, and today we are continuing with this project so that we will no longer have traffic gridlock,” he said.
According to Wike, the project will significantly improve access to the Body of Benchers complex, nearby court-related institutions, educational facilities, and surrounding communities.
He expressed confidence that motorists, legal practitioners, students, and visitors would benefit from the improved road network once construction is completed.
The latest road project is part of a broader infrastructure renewal programme being pursued by the FCT Administration under Wike’s leadership.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister in August 2023, Wike has overseen the construction, rehabilitation, and completion of several roads and public infrastructure projects across Abuja. The administration has repeatedly stated that improving transportation networks remains one of its top priorities.
Road construction and rehabilitation have become key components of efforts to address rapid urban growth in Abuja. As Nigeria’s capital continues to expand, authorities have faced increasing pressure to improve road connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in both the city centre and developing districts.
The FCT Administration has in recent months launched several projects aimed at opening up new districts, improving access to public institutions, and reducing travel time for commuters.
The construction of Collector Road CO1 is expected to complement other ongoing road projects within the capital city and strengthen connectivity between major roads and emerging residential and institutional areas.
For residents and road users, the project represents another step-in effort to modernise Abuja’s infrastructure and meet the demands of its growing population.
As construction work begins, the FCT Administration has expressed optimism that the road will not only improve access to key locations but also contribute to smoother traffic flow and greater convenience for thousands of residents who use the route daily.