The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that no district in the nation’s capital will be left behind in President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing infrastructure development programme.

Mr Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday during the inauguration of the 3.4 kilometre Collector Road CO1 and Collector Road CO2 in Mabushi District.

He said the ongoing infrastructure projects were in line with Mr Tinubu’s directive to ensure balanced development across the territory, covering both the city centre and satellite towns.

Mr Wike said that the development of Karu under the Tinubu administration had transformed the area beyond the status of a satellite town and questioned the traditional classification of the area.

He added that the construction of the Karu road network had been concluded and ready for inauguration, stressing that the development had significantly transformed the entire area.

“I don’t know why we should still be referring to Karu as a satellite town. I do believe that Karu should be part of the capital city and not a satellite town,” he said.

Mr Wike also highlighted the newly constructed interchange linking Jahi and Gwarinpa districts, describing it as a milestone in the ping development of districts across the city.

“Gwarinpa is bigger than so many estates across the sub-region. That is why linking it to Jahi via this interchange is so vital,” he said.

The minister pointed out that poor infrastructure had historically stifled Abuja’s real estate sector.

He, however, pointed at the visible boom of new houses springing up along the newly paved corridors, noting that contractors were now rushing to finish properties, while eager buyers and renters flood the market.

He criticised previous officials who had the opportunity to develop these corridors, particularly leading toward the high-brow Maitama district, but failed to do so.

“They preferred to use helicopters to fly to their various houses, but I thank God that Tinubu has made it possible for them to drive by road to their various areas,” he said.

Mr Wike attributed the rapid pace of construction to the President’s unwavering logistical support and political will.

He said that with a courageous, assertive, focused and determined leader, who wants results, subordinates have no choice but to deliver.

“We have no choice but to do what you directed us to do because all the logistics have been given to us. Each time we run to you with a request, you always grant it.

“Tinubu’s administration’s blueprint is successfully turning Abuja into a massive, interconnected construction success story,” the minister said.

While inaugurating the roads, Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, commended Mr Wike’s exemplary leadership in executing his directives toward building a capital city where no one and district is left behind.

“I gave you a simple charge: ‘Make Abuja work for all’. You took it and ran with it. From satellite towns to the city centre, you are turning blueprints into roads people can drive on today.

“Your energy, your insistence on delivery, and your refusal to accept excuses are why the FCT is transforming under this administration. Nigerians see it. I see it. Well done, Minister Wike,” he said.

On her part, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, said that Mr Tinubu’s visionary leadership had continued to chart a bold course toward national renewal and enduring prosperity.

Mrs Mahmoud also commended Wike, whom she described as a “master builder of Nigeria’s capital city,” for the relentless pursuit of excellence and for transforming blueprints into enduring monuments of progress and development.

Earlier, Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the project was awarded in February 2025.

Mr Dauda explained that the district is located in Phase II of the Federal Capital City, bounded by districts like Katampe to the north, Wuye to the south, Wuse II to the east, and Kado District to the west.

He said that the main access into the district is from Ahmadu Bello Way (Arterial Road N11), and the Northern Parkway (Shehu Shagari Way).

According to him, the Collector Road CO1, begins from the Ahmadu Bello Way, just by the Mabushi Bus Terminal, and reconnects to it by the Next Cash and Carry junction, Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), as a crescent.

He added that the Collector Road CO2 also tees off from Collector Road CO1 and connects to the Northern Parkway, just by the VIO headquarters.

“The completion of this project has opened up this area for investment and for rapid development of Mabushi District, and thus creating opportunities for citizens.

“It has reduced travel time and enhanced security in this area,” he said.

 (NAN)