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President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the main carriageways of the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from ring road I junction to ring road II junction in Abuja, saying his administration is committed to completing both new and inherited projects.
Tinubu spoke through Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who represented him at the ceremony on Tuesday.
The president said the completion of the strategic road project reflected his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that can stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu described infrastructure as the backbone of economic development, noting that the newly completed road would unlock economic opportunities and improve movement within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth,” he said.
“If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker and the industrialist, you build roads.”
The president said his administration had steadily advanced the OSEX project since inaugurating the first phase from the villa roundabout to the ring road I junction in 2024.
He added that the inauguration of the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025 paved the way for the completion of the latest phase.
Tinubu said the project would reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and improve connectivity between the Apo and Wasa districts.
The president commended Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT, for what he described as his focused and result-oriented leadership.
“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership,” he said.
“I want to commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his entire team for their commitment and dogged determination in reshaping the FCT for long-term prosperity.”
Addressing Wike directly, Tinubu added, “you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses.”
“You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda delivering quality results for the Nigerian people on time.”
‘GOVERNMENT IS A CONTINUUM’
Earlier, Wike said the successful completion of the project was made possible by the commitment of the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, and the support of the Tinubu administration.
The minister said he had sought assurances from the contractor that the road would be completed in time for the president’s third anniversary.
“I asked them a simple question: can you deliver this project? I told them I wanted it ready for Mr. President’s third anniversary. They said yes,” he said.
“I asked again because I was not comfortable considering the scope of the work, the dual carriageway, culverts and bridges. They assured me they would deliver, and today they have kept their promise.”
Wike said he personally inspected the project site more than 10 times to monitor progress.
“This means that nothing is impossible if we are determined and committed to achieving results,” he said.
“With proper understanding between government and contractors, and with government fulfilling its obligations, we can achieve a lot.”
The minister said the administration had maintained a policy of completing inherited projects.
“We did say every project we inherited, we are going to continue with it and finish it. That’s the essence of leadership,” he said.
“One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects initiated by other administrations, not just projects initiated by you.”
According to Wike, about 80 percent of projects completed by the FCT administration since 2023 were inherited from previous governments.
“Some people would have said there is no need for that; let us start our own projects,” he said.
“But Mr. President understands that these projects are funded with public resources and government is a continuum. We cannot abandon projects littered across the FCT.”
Wike also disclosed that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site for traders and artisans at the Apo mechanic village.
The minister dismissed claims that little was being achieved by the administration.
“Sometimes it baffles me when people say nothing is happening in this country. Are we doing all these things in heaven or here on earth where people are living?” he asked.
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