President Bola Tinubu has assured Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, that he will not let him down.
Beyond Boders reports that this promise came as Tinubu began commissioning projects in Abuja to mark his first year in office.
Tinubu gave this assurance during the opening of the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, which has been renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
Praising Wike for his leadership and for being known as “Mr. Project” due to his efforts, the president highlighted that he (Wike) has given hope to the people of Abuja through significant projects.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of infrastructure, stating it creates jobs and brings prosperity. He acknowledged that without Wike, the Southern Parkway project might have been abandoned.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Wike explained that the Southern Parkway is a major route designed to improve access and connectivity in southern Abuja, as per the city’s Master Plan.
He noted that the Northern Parkway, another key route, has been developed over the years to serve the northern districts.
It is worth noting that the Southern Parkway project, originally awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nig. Ltd., was initially budgeted at N16.2 billion, but later revised to N35.8 billion in March 2021 due to changes in scope and economic factors.
The project includes a 5.4 km road with 12 lanes, four interchanges, and eight bridges, along with essential underground infrastructure.
Tinubu concluded by thanking Wike for his leadership and reaffirmed the collective commitment to not let him down.
