By PHILIP YATAI

President Bola Tinubu says Abuja is coming back to life, adding that criminal hideouts are disappearing from the nation’s capital.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima made the remarks on Friday, while inaugurating Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Ogala Boulevard) and Important Local Street (ILS) 5 within Katampe District, Abuja.

“We have installed solar streetlights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing.

“This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility, and dignity.” he said.

He said that the Collector Road CN2 is a testimony that Nigeria is working again, stressing that the economy his administration met was struggling; “today, you can see the transformation.

“A road like CN2 is more than just concrete—it represents hope; it proves to every Nigerian that the government can deliver; it tells our youth that this country truly belongs to them.

“Hope is not a mere slogan; it is tangible, just like this road. It is the light on your street and the travel time you now save.

“To the residents of the Katampe and Mabushi districts, thank you for your patience during the construction phase and for believing in us,” he said.

Tinubu urged all residents to pay their taxes, clear their ground rents, support their communities, and protect government installed infrastructure.

“Do not turn walkways into marketplaces, and do not vandalise the streetlights. If you witness any destruction, report it immediately.

“This road belongs to you; guard it for your children,” he said.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for delivering life-impacting projects across the territory.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results,” Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Wike pointed out that no country can talk about development without infrastructure, describing it as the “backbone of development”.

He said that building projects have been springing up in the area following the construction of the road network, an indication that Tinubu administration is working.

“I am confident that before the first tenure of your administration ends, Abuja will be a different thing that people will be proud of.

“In your first tenure in office, you have shown that you love the capital city, and you love the satellite towns,” he said.

The minister commended the National Assembly, particularly the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Betara for providing the needed legislative support to the FCT Administration to execute the laudable projects.

“Your Excellency, thank Betara for me,” Wike said.

On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended Tinub’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.

According to her, the execution of critical projects across the territory reflects the administration’s dedication to economic growth, social inclusion, and improved quality of life for residents.

Mahmoud said that the newly inaugurated road would create pathways for opportunities, prosperity, and sustainable development across the FCT.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the 3.9-kilometre road project was awarded in November 2025.

Dauda said that the road network comprises the Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Galadima), which starts from the Arterial Road N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way), to the junction of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), as a crescent.

He added that the ILS 5, tees off from the Collector Road CN2 and reconnects it as a crescent also within Katampe District.

He said that the scope of works includes full-scope development of Collector Road CN2 as a dual carriageway with two lanes and a parking lane, making it three lanes in each direction, separated by a 2-meter median, making it a total of six lanes.

He added that the ILS 5 also comes with two lanes and two parking lanes on each side, making it a total of four lanes. (NAN)

Update news