The era of neglected infrastructure projects is coming to an end, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared yesterday.
He stressed his administration’s commitment to building essential infrastructure that promotes economic growth, creates jobs, and enhances lives.
The President spoke at the inauguration of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja, between Ring Road I and Ring Road II.
He viewed the road project as a significant milestone in the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that infrastructure development is pivotal to the government’s strategy for national prosperity.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu said: ‘When we took the oath of office, we did not promise shortcuts; we promised hard work and a Renewed Hope that Nigerians can see, feel, and benefit from’.
He explained that the project is not merely about constructing a road; it’s a vital investment in the future of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the economy.
President Tinubu said: ‘Infrastructure is the lifeblood of economic growth.
‘If you want to unlock the potential of a city, create jobs, attract investment, and improve the lives of citizens, you build roads’.
He noted the steady advancement on the OSEX corridor since he took office, recalling that the first phase was commissioned in June 2024, and a left-hand service carriageway was delivered in 2025.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to complete ongoing projects nationwide, declaring: ‘We do not start projects only to abandon them. We finish what we start’.
President Tinubu also commended the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the development of Abuja.
He recognised Wike’s role in advancing major projects and ensuring timely delivery by contractors.
The President believes the expressway will alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, lower fuel costs, improve connectivity across key districts, create new development opportunities and expand Abuja’s economic footprint.
He expressed gratitude to engineers, construction workers, and residents affected by the construction, assuring them that their sacrifices will lead to benefits for generations.
Wike attributed the project’s success to the administration’s determination and the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, who fulfilled their timeline commitments.
He said he sought concrete assurances from the contractor in late 2025 to ensure the project met the timeline for President Tinubu’s third anniversary.
Wike said: ‘I asked them if they could deliver this project, and they kept their promise’.
He emphasised that finding solutions is possible with cooperation between the government and contractors, promising to inspect sites regularly to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.
Wike highlighted the importance of continuing inherited projects, stating, ‘One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects initiated by other administrations’.
He noted that about 80 per cent of the projects completed since 2023 were inherited from previous governments.
Wike argued against starting completely new initiatives, stressing public resource management and the continuity of government responsibilities.
The minister announced that infrastructure improvements have also been made at the relocation site for traders and artisans from the Apo Mechanic Village, fulfilling a longstanding government pledge.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, hailed the OSEX project as significant for the nation’s capital transformation.
She praised President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure, indicating that strategic developments were yielding tangible benefits for the populace.
The newly inaugurated road is expected to bolster mobility across essential districts, support urban expansion, and fortify Abuja’s transport framework within the broader modernisation agenda of the FCT Administration.
