Tinubu vows end to culture of abandoned projects

President Bola Tinubu declared an end to the era of delayed and perpetually budgeted public infrastructure projects, asserting that his administration prioritizes completion. This statement coincided with the commissioning of Arterial Road N5, Obafemi Awolowo Way, in Abuja, a project completed within its stipulated timeline.

“

Infrastructure is the measure by which every civilised nation announces its seriousness. No capital can carry the weight of national ambition if its arteries are blocked by neglect, excuses and abandoned promises.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning, President Tinubu described infrastructure as a fundamental measure of a nation's commitment and progress. He reaffirmed his administration's dedication to developing Abuja into a capital city that mirrors Nigeria's expanding population, economic ambitions, and national identity. "No capital can carry the weight of national ambition if its arteries are blocked by neglect, excuses and abandoned promises," he stated.

“

In the past, projects like this became permanent budget items with ten or fifteen years of excuses. Under this administration, that era is over. There has been no break, no pause and no retreat in the construction and rehabilitation of the roads we inherited. That is why we have ended the tradition of abandoned projects and restored faith in the power of government to finish what it starts.

The N5 corridor project, awarded to Julius Berger with a 15-month execution timeline starting in October 2024, was conceived, funded, and completed under the current administration. Tinubu contrasted this with past practices where similar projects languished for years. "Under this administration, that era is over," he asserted, emphasizing the restoration of faith in the government's ability to deliver on its promises. The completed road is expected to significantly improve connectivity across several Abuja districts, including Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu, and Mbora, while enhancing access to the Idu Industrial District.

“

With the completion of this N5 corridor, we are delivering the seamless district connectivity envisioned in the Abuja Master Plan.

This development is anticipated to reduce logistics costs, stimulate investment, and support job creation within the capital. President Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in driving infrastructure execution, noting, "The Honourable Minister has shown what happens when political will meets accountability." He urged residents and businesses to meet their tax and land-related payment obligations to bolster the FCT Administration's capacity for future projects.

“

The Honourable Minister has shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to hear explanations for failure.