Tinubu commissions Abuja expressway, declares end to abandoned projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) linking Ring Road I and Ring Road II in Abuja, declaring that his administration would no longer tolerate the abandonment of public projects.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu said the completion of the strategic road project reflects the government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that promotes economic growth, improves mobility and enhances the quality of life of citizens.

“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start, and even finish the ones we did not start,” the President said.

He described infrastructure as a critical driver of development, noting that the newly completed road would open up economic opportunities for businesses and residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Tinubu, the OSEX project has recorded steady progress under his administration, beginning with the commissioning of the first phase from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I in 2024, followed by the inauguration of the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025.

He said the completion of the main carriageway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II marks another milestone in the transformation of Abuja’s road network.

The President also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as visionary and results-driven leadership.

“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the FCT is a testament to focus, vision and dynamic leadership,” Tinubu said, commending Wike and his team for driving infrastructure development in the capital city.

He added that the road project would ease traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity between key districts, including Apo and Wasa.

Speaking at the event, Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to the commitment of the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, and the determination of the administration to meet delivery timelines.

The minister disclosed that he had repeatedly sought assurances from the contractor that the project would be completed in time for Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

“I asked them if they could deliver the project before Mr President’s third anniversary. They assured me they would, and today they have fulfilled that promise,” he said.

Wike revealed that he personally visited the project site more than ten times to monitor progress and ensure compliance with agreed deadlines.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them, stressing that government is a continuum.

“One of the hallmarks of good leadership is continuity. We inherited this project and ensured its completion because public funds had already been committed to it,” he said.

According to the minister, about 80 per cent of projects completed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were inherited from previous governments.

He also announced that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site for traders and artisans operating at the Apo Mechanic Village, paving the way for their movement to a more suitable location.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another major step in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.

She commended Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and praised Wike’s leadership in delivering projects aimed at improving residents’ lives.

The newly commissioned OSEX carriageway is expected to improve mobility, support urban expansion and strengthen Abuja’s transportation network as part of the broader infrastructure renewal programme of the FCT Administration.