Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that Abuja had been “closed” to critics of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration, insisting that the scale of infrastructure delivered across the nation’s capital had rendered opposition attacks ineffective.

Wike spoke at the commissioning of the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango Road in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, the final project inaugurated under the FCT Administration’s 31-day commissioning and flag-off programme organised to commemorate President Tinubu’s third year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu described the completion of the road as another practical demonstration of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that development would no longer be concentrated within Abuja’s city centre but extended to satellite towns and underserved communities.

The President said the commissioning marked the successful conclusion of an unprecedented month-long infrastructure rollout by the FCT Administration, adding that the projects reflected his administration’s determination to translate campaign promises into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

“This ceremony is not just about opening a road. It is a practical validation of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We promised to transform governance into visible, impactful results. This completed infrastructure stands as a testament to that solemn pledge,” Tinubu said.

He recalled that residents of Kubwa and adjoining communities had endured years of hardship arising from dilapidated roads, flooding and prolonged traffic congestion, which hampered economic activities and affected the quality of life.

According to him, the reconstruction of the Arab/Gbazango Road has transformed what was once a corridor of frustration into an avenue for economic growth and improved mobility.

“Our developmental vision for the Federal Capital Territory is complete inclusion. We refuse to restrict development to the high-brow city centre of Abuja. The suburbs, the outskirts and the satellite towns deserve the exact same high-quality infrastructure,” the President stated.

Tinubu noted that the road would reduce travel time, ease congestion along the Kubwa axis and improve connectivity with the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), while also stimulating commerce and strengthening security.

“When roads are built to this standard, local commerce thrives. Businesses will experience higher patronage, farmers can move goods freely, and emergency services can respond rapidly to save lives. Furthermore, well-lit and paved roads significantly lower criminal activity, boosting local security,” he added.

The President commended the FCT Minister, Wike, for what he described as visionary leadership and commitment to delivering critical infrastructure, saying the administration would continue to provide roads, schools, hospitals and other essential facilities across the six Area Councils of the FCT and the country at large.

He also urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism, describing the projects as public assets meant to serve generations.

In his remarks, Wike said the completion of the commissioning programme represented a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic governance, claiming that no previous administration had embarked on such an extensive and sustained exercise.

According to him, from June 9 to July 17, the FCT Administration successfully commissioned and flagged off projects without recording any major incident.

“Everything that has a beginning has an end. Today we are taking a break to refill and energise ourselves before returning later in the year. We thank God that from June 9 till today everything has gone smoothly. There was no accident, no incident we would regret and no fighting. Everybody came and left happily,” he said.

The minister described the programme as unprecedented, arguing that no President in Nigeria’s history had continuously commissioned projects over such an extended period.

He maintained that the visible transformation across Abuja had become the strongest response to political opponents.

“If there are opponents of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with what you have done in their lifetime, they cannot do anything again. If they go to the people of Gbazango, the people will ask them, ‘When you were there, what did you do?’ This is what we call operation ‘show your report card’.

“If you call Tinubu today, he will show you his report card on the satellite towns and on the city. Abuja is shut down. Abuja is closed. If you are looking for anything else, you can go elsewhere, but not in the FCT,” Wike declared.

He said residents of Kubwa and Gbazango now had concrete evidence that government could positively impact their lives through quality infrastructure.

“For them, this is the impact of positive governance. Government has finally come home. If you saw what this road looked like before now, you would understand why the people are rejoicing,” he said.

Wike disclosed that more than 53 projects had so far been commissioned under Tinubu’s administration in the FCT, adding that the pace of development would continue.

He announced plans to inaugurate at least 10 additional projects before the end of the year.

Responding to requests by community leaders for improved water supply, the minister directed the Executive Secretary of the FCT Water Board to immediately address the challenge.

“Go home and give your people water. That is your responsibility. You must be prepared to solve the problem,” he directed.

Earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, attributed the remarkable infrastructure transformation in Abuja to Tinubu’s leadership and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also praised Wike’s leadership, describing it as courageous, purposeful and result-driven, while urging residents to protect public infrastructure to ensure its sustainability.

Mahmoud said the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango Road would improve mobility, stimulate economic activities, promote social integration and enhance the quality of life of residents.

She described the project as one of the enduring legacies of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive development and good governance. (The Guardian)

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