The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has named the Southern Parkway, from the National Christian Centre, to Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) after President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Wike announced the honour during the inauguration of the road for public use in Abuja on Tuesday as part of activities to celebrate Mr Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said the development of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, at par with the Northern Parkway, was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Ltd. for N16.23 billion.

The minister added that the project’s cost was revised to N35.76 billion in March 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.

He explained that the road would provide free-way access and connectivity to the city’s southern development flank, as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.

“It will also complement the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the southern districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi.

“The road will also accelerate the development of the southern axis of the city in general, thereby bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.

“It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolves that this very important road be named the ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way’,” Mr Wike said.

Earlier, Shehu Ahmed, executive secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, said that the road was 5.4 km long and made up of two main carriageways with four lanes each and two service carriageways with two lanes each, for a total of 12 lanes.

“It also includes the construction of four interchanges, with eight bridges in addition to other facilities. It traverses the city centre, linking the outer fringes and inner portions of the city expressways,” he said.

While inaugurating the road, Mr Tinubu thanked Mr Wike, whom he called ‘landlord’ for the honour.

“I will not say that I am surprised. Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared value.

“The changes you made to the FCT—structural and administrative—are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians. Thank you very much,” the president said.

The president said his administration recognises infrastructure as an enabler of jobs, economic development, and prosperity and expressed confidence in achieving all three in the near future.

He added that the needs of Nigerian citizens were paramount to his administration, “so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.”

(NAN)