Tinubu commissions remodeled Abuja City Gate, commends Wike’s infrastructure drive

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing the landmark as a symbol of national unity, renewal and progress while applauding the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for accelerating infrastructure development across the nation’s capital.

Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the President said the project coincides with two major milestones—the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said the upgraded monument reflects the government’s commitment to building a capital city that projects Nigeria’s identity and aspirations.

“The Abuja City Gate is one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks and the first point of contact for many visitors. It now reflects the unity, diversity and progress that define our nation,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the redesigned monument, featuring a water fountain representing the 36 states and the FCT, offers visitors a befitting welcome to Nigeria’s capital.

He noted that ongoing investments in roads, public spaces and other critical infrastructure were repositioning Abuja as a modern capital comparable to leading cities around the world.

The President praised Wike for driving the transformation of the FCT through what he described as purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged residents to protect public infrastructure, stressing that its preservation is a shared responsibility.

Earlier, Wike disclosed that the decision to remodel the City Gate followed a directive from President Tinubu, who questioned why the entrance into the nation’s capital had remained unattractive despite its strategic importance.

According to the minister, the President challenged him to upgrade the landmark to reflect Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s capital.

He revealed that the project involved extensive engineering work beneath the surface, including the installation of modern water and lighting systems, despite appearing simple from the outside.

Wike also said heavy rainfall threatened the commissioning ceremony but insisted the project had to be inaugurated as scheduled.

He commended construction firm Julius Berger and officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority for completing the project, describing the remodeled City Gate as another milestone in the ongoing renewal of Abuja.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project symbolises a new phase of urban renewal in the capital.

She commended President Tinubu for providing the vision behind the transformation and praised Wike for executing key infrastructure projects aimed at restoring Abuja’s master plan and improving the city’s global outlook.