Tinubu inaugurates FCT expressway, hails ongoing infrastructure drive

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the project as part of his administration’s broader push to expand infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the government remains focused on delivering tangible projects that improve citizens’ daily lives.

He said the administration had prioritised practical results over promises, stressing that governance must translate into visible development.

“Fellow citizens, when we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work,” President Tinubu said.

‘Infrastructure is the engine of growth’ — President Tinubu

The President said infrastructure development remains central to economic transformation, job creation, and improved productivity.

“Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, you build roads,” he stated.

He added that the project would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and improve economic efficiency in the nation’s capital.

Tinubu also highlighted previous phases of the OSEX project already completed under his administration, noting continuity in project execution across different stages.

Wike praises contractors, government continuity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, commended the construction company handling the project, saying the delivery timeline was met despite technical challenges.

He said he personally monitored progress on site to ensure timely completion and praised the contractors for fulfilling their commitments.

Mr Wike also emphasised continuity in governance, noting that a large percentage of completed projects under the current administration were inherited from previous governments but were not abandoned.

“One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects,” he said.

Economic and urban impact

According to the Presidency, the newly inaugurated expressway will significantly improve connectivity within Abuja, linking key districts and opening up new areas for development.

President Tinubu said the road would reduce gridlock, save fuel costs, improve travel time, and expand the economic footprint of the capital city.

He also thanked engineers, contractors, and communities affected during construction for their cooperation and patience throughout the project period.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing infrastructure projects across Nigeria, saying no project would be abandoned under his watch.

He said infrastructure development remains a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with continued investments planned across transport, energy, and urban development sectors.