Kuje-Gwagwalada road was death trap for decades – Tinubu declares as he commissions phase I dual carriageway

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, said the newly completed Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway has brought an end to decades of hardship, insecurity and economic losses suffered by residents and commuters along the corridor.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the 7-kilometre dual carriageway in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Tinubu described the road as a critical economic and security infrastructure that would transform the lives of residents in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and adjoining communities.

“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and beyond lost time, goods and sometimes lives while plying this road. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students wasted hours in traffic. Farmers could not get their produce to market on time.

“But that story ends today,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that the road, equipped with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and modern drainage facilities, represents more than physical infrastructure.

“This 7-kilometre dual carriageway with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and proper drainage is more than a road. It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity.

“It is the economic corridor linking Abuja to three area councils and an opening and exit route to Southern Nigeria. With the construction of this road, we have unlocked the agricultural potential of this area, opened new residential layouts and made it safer for mothers, students and workers to move at any hour,” he stated.

The President said the project was a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending development beyond Abuja city centre to satellite communities.

“My people of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and all the area councils and satellite towns, hear me clearly: this government sees you. You are not forgotten.

“For too long, Abuja’s development stopped at the city centre. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, every area council matters. Every community counts. We will keep bringing roads, water, schools and hospitals to you,” he said.

Tinubu also urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and support government efforts through civic responsibility.

“Do not build on the median. Do not vandalise the solar lights. Pay your taxes and ground rents. When government works and citizens cooperate, development moves faster,” he added.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for expanding development to underserved communities across the territory.

“I gave you an instruction when I appointed you: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just for those in Maitama and Asokoro.

“You have taken Renewed Hope to the grassroots. From judicial quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you are proving that development must not be selective. You heard the cries of satellite communities and responded. That is leadership. Well done, Honourable Minister,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the road project was a direct response to demands made by residents, traditional rulers and stakeholders during consultations held across the six area councils shortly after the administration assumed office in 2023.

According to him, insecurity and poor road infrastructure featured prominently among the concerns raised by residents of Kuje.

Wike recalled that the administration revived the abandoned Airport Road-Kuje road project before approving the Kuje-Gwagwalada road after personally inspecting its deplorable condition.

“So, one day, while returning from Kwali after inspecting projects, I said let us pass through the road the traditional ruler had been talking about.

“As we travelled, it took us almost two hours. I asked where we were heading to and they said Kuje. I said, ‘Are we in America?’ This is within the FCT and it took us almost two hours. The road was terrible. In fact, saying it was bad is an understatement; there was practically no road,” he said.

The minister explained that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in early 2025 and that it was awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

He expressed satisfaction that the first phase had been completed within schedule and disclosed that the contractor had assured the administration that the second phase would be delivered by December 2026.

“What this means is that the people of Gwagwalada and Kuje can now interact more easily, businesses can thrive and farmers can move their produce to markets without stress. That is governance. That is bringing hope to the people,” Wike said.

Also speaking, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a visible demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda and a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through strategic infrastructure investments.

She commended Wike for what she described as his exceptional leadership and determination in delivering critical infrastructure across the FCT.

Earlier, Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project was awarded on February 28, 2025, and consists of a 7-kilometre dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, a three-span bridge, drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights.

He added that the project would improve access to farming communities, facilitate movement of agricultural produce, reduce travel time and stimulate economic growth in Kuje, Gwagwalada and neighbouring communities.

Zulkiflu disclosed that the second phase of the project, covering the remaining six kilometres of dual carriageway, is expected to be completed by December 2026, completing the full upgrade of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road corridor.