The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has flagged off the construction of Transit Way (N2) road, linking Wuse Zone 3 to the Central Area, with assurances for more projects across the territory.

Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that road infrastructure remained the backbone of every modern city for investments and accelerating growth.

Mr Wike said that the N2 road project was one of the major infrastructure efforts lined up for President Bola Tinubu’s third-year anniversary

He said that the FCTA was positioning Abuja as a model modern city through roads, schools, health facilities and investor-friendly initiatives.

Mr Wike stated, “There is no development in any city without a good network of roads. When all the cities are linked with good roads, then you can talk about development. Road infrastructure attracts investment.”

Mr Wike said that Abuja had already caught the attention of international investors, citing a Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based company that had committed to replicate the Dubai City Walk project in the FCT.

He explained that the N2 corridor which would be supported by two strategic bridges, evolved from a citizen-led initiative around the TY Danjuma Foundation.

He said that the FCTA took over and expanded the scope to connect the Central Area with Wuse District.

The minister assured of strict supervision of the contractors handling projects for the government.

He announced fresh plans to rehabilitate not less than 40 additional schools across the FCT to complement 70 ongoing school projects, out of which about 45 had already been completed.

He added that attention would soon shift to healthcare facilities, stressing the urgency of timely project delivery.

“Time waits for nobody. If you don’t know how to meet up, go and ask those who know how to beat up with the speed I work with,” Mr Wike stated. 

He urged top officials to keep their phones on 24 hours for effective coordination.

The minister noted that projects Inauguration activities would run until late October, after which more projects vital to the economy and the city’s landscape would be unveiled from November.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a milestone in strengthening connectivity, easing traffic congestion and promoting seamless movement within Abuja City centre.

She noted that the N2 Transit Way was another demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda translating into visible dividends for residents.

Ms Mahmoud further applauded the National Assembly for their consistent support through collaboration and legislative backing.

“Your role in ensuring that the FCT receives the needed budgetary attention and oversight is highly commendable and today, we are witnessing the fruits of such partnership,” she stated.

(NAN)