President Bola Tinubu has assured residents of Abuja that the construction of the two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway will significantly ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and accelerate development across the southern districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tinubu gave the assurance at the official flag-off of the project in Gaduwa District, Abuja, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The president, who was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the initiative as a critical component of his administration’s infrastructure renewal programme and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “The Southern Parkway remains one of the most strategic corridors in the Abuja Master Plan, linking several districts across the southern axis of the capital city.
“The Southern Parkway is a major route of the Southern Development Corridor. It starts from the Inner Southern Expressway in Phase One and terminates at the same corridor in Phase Four.
“When fully developed, it will enhance vehicular traffic circulation within the southern part of the city and provide vital inter-district connections across the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Tinubu noted that while the main carriageway, now known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and commissioned by the administration, the service lanes were necessary to complete the original vision for the corridor.
“These service carriageways are not a luxury. They are designed to ease access and improve mobility for our people. Residents of Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and the mass housing estates in Phase Two face heavy traffic congestion daily. When these service lanes are completed, travel time will reduce, businesses will save money and families will spend less time on the road. That is the dividend of democracy and the Renewed Hope Nigerians can see and feel,” he stated.
The president said the project formed part of a broader infrastructure revolution being pursued by his administration, citing completed and ongoing projects across the FCT, including the Arterial Road N20, now named Professor Wole Soyinka Way, the N16 Interchange linking Jahi and Gwarimpa, and road networks in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Mabushi.
Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and commitment to delivering infrastructure projects.
Tinubu also lauded the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the entire FCT Administration for maintaining quality standards and ensuring effective project supervision.
Addressing residents of affected communities, the president appealed for patience during the construction period, acknowledging that diversions, traffic delays and temporary inconveniences would accompany the works.
Wike vows to transform Abuja’s landscape before end of Tinubu’s first term
“To the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, we expect speed but we demand quality. Employ our youths, train our artisans and ensure this project becomes a source of jobs and skills acquisition for Nigerians,” he added.
Earlier, Wike dismissed concerns that infrastructure development in the territory could slow down because of the approaching election season, insisting that the administration remained focused on completing ongoing projects.
The minister expressed confidence that Abuja’s landscape would be significantly transformed before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.
Wike also issued a stern warning against illegal developments and land grabbing along the project corridor, directing officials of the Development Control Department and Lands Department to identify and remove structures erected on lands not legally allocated.
“Those who have forged documents and encroached on government land should know that it will not work. Any illegal structure along the corridor will be removed. We must protect the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan,” he warned.
In his technical presentation, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, explained that the contract for the construction of the two service carriageways was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited in May 2026 and that the contractor had already mobilised to site.
Dauda said the project covers approximately three kilometres of dual service roads, construction of two river bridges, drainage facilities, culverts, and street lighting infrastructure.
According to him, the Southern Parkway serves as the vehicular spine of the Southern Development Corridor and will provide seamless inter-district connectivity from the Central Area to Phase Four districts of the city.
On her part, the Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Nancy Nathan, expressed appreciation Tinubu for approving the project and to stakeholders whose support made the initiative possible.
Nathan described the project as a critical intervention that would ease traffic congestion, improve transportation efficiency, and stimulate economic activities in the affected districts.
She also urged the contractor to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety while adhering strictly to the agreed delivery timelines.
