President Bola Tinubu says the construction of the seven-kilometre road from Tungan Madaki to Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will open the area to investment in housing, schools, health facilities, and industries.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, made the remarks in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the construction of the road by the FCT Administration.

The president pointed out that the FCT was conceived to serve the entire nation, adding that this vision could only be achieved when satellite towns and gateway communities were properly integrated with other parts of the country.

“This road is strategic in that regard. It eases pressure on the city centre, creates alternatives for commuters, and strengthens the economic corridor between Abuja, Kaduna, and the North-West of the country.

“It also sends a clear signal to investors that this axis is open for housing, schools, health facilities, and industries,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said that Tungan Madaki, Zuba, and the communities along the road corridor are home to some of Nigeria’s hardest-working citizens.

He, however, noted that for many years, poor road access made life difficult for the residents.

“They are farmers who feed our city, traders who move goods daily, students who commute for education, and families who deserve the same dignity of access as those in the city centre.

“During the rains, movement was cut off. During harvest, produce was lost before it reached the markets, hours were wasted in transit, and the cost of doing business remained high.

“That changes today. This new road will link Tungan Madaki directly to the Abuja-Kaduna Road, cutting travel time, reducing vehicle maintenance costs, and opening a faster route for people and goods,” he said.

The president commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his team for the discipline and speed with which projects were being delivered.

In his remarks, Mr Wike said the road project aligns with Mr Tinubu’s directive that all satellite towns and area councils should be adequately connected to the city centre through modern road infrastructure.

The minister disclosed that the project was considered after the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council drew the administration’s attention to the need for a direct link between Zuba and Abuja to reduce travel stress on residents.

He explained that upon completion, residents of Zuba and adjoining communities would enjoy easier access to Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport without having to travel through Gwagwalada.

Mr Wike described the project as another “milestone” in the FCT Administration’s efforts to open up rural communities and improve the quality of life of residents.

“We are putting pressure on the contractor to complete and hand over the project by December so that we will inaugurate the road for the people of Tungan Madaki and Zuba as a Christmas gift,” Mr Wike said.

On her part, FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud said the road would significantly improve connectivity, stimulate commerce, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for residents across Tungan Madaki, Zuba, and neighbouring communities.

Earlier, Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, said the 7km road, when completed, would link the Bill Clinton Drive to the Federal Highway A2 (Kaduna-Abuja-Lokoja highway) via Zuba.

Mr Dauda added that the road would also link several communities, such as Tungan Wakili, Angwan Ashere, Tungan Jawa, Tungan Nasara, Tungan Samu, Ammawa, and Jawa—all in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council.

(NAN)