ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction in Abuja, declaring that the era of abandoned public projects in Nigeria is coming to an end.
Represented at the ceremony by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President said the completion of the strategic road project reflects his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that drives economic growth, improves transportation and enhances the quality of life of Nigerians.
“We do not start projects only to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start, and even complete projects inherited from previous administrations,” Tinubu stated.
Describing infrastructure as the backbone of economic development, the President noted that the newly completed road would unlock fresh opportunities for businesses and residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“What we are doing today goes far beyond laying asphalt and pouring concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure remains the artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, create jobs and make life easier for citizens, you build roads,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that his administration had steadily advanced the OSEX project, commissioning the first phase from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction in 2024 and inaugurating the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025.
According to him, the completion of the main carriageway linking Ring Road I and Ring Road II marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Abuja.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as focused and result-driven leadership.
“The structural transformation taking place in the FCT demonstrates what can be achieved through vision, commitment and effective leadership. I commend the Honourable Minister and his team for their determination in reshaping Abuja for long-term prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Wike directly, Tinubu added, “You have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept contractors accountable and ensured that our vision remains on track. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda delivering tangible results for Nigerians.”
The President noted that the road would significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs and improve connectivity between the Apo and Wasa districts, thereby expanding Abuja’s economic potential.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to the administration’s determination and the commitment of the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver on schedule.
Wike disclosed that when the contract was awarded in late 2025, he sought assurances from the contractor that the project could be completed in time for President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“I asked them a simple question: Can you deliver this project? I told them I wanted it completed for Mr. President’s third anniversary. They assured me they could, and today they have fulfilled that promise,” he said.
The minister revealed that he personally inspected the project site more than ten times to monitor progress and ensure adherence to timelines.
“This demonstrates that with determination, commitment and cooperation between government and contractors, no project is impossible to achieve,” Wike stated.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects, describing continuity as a key attribute of responsible leadership.
“One of the hallmarks of good governance is the continuation and completion of projects initiated by previous administrations. Government is a continuum, and public resources must not be wasted,” he said.
According to Wike, approximately 80 per cent of projects completed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were inherited from previous governments.
He stressed that abandoning ongoing projects would amount to a waste of public funds, adding that President Tinubu remains committed to ensuring their completion.
The minister also announced that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site designated for traders and artisans from the Apo Mechanic Village, fulfilling a longstanding government promise.
Responding to critics who argue that little progress is being made, Wike highlighted ongoing and completed projects across Abuja’s satellite towns, including road projects in Kwali, Karu and Kubwa, as well as rural water schemes.
“Sometimes it surprises me when people say nothing is happening in the country. These projects are visible for everyone to see,” he remarked.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the OSEX project as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
She praised President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that investments in roads, bridges and other critical projects are translating government policies into meaningful benefits for citizens.
The newly commissioned road is expected to improve mobility between key districts of Abuja, support urban expansion and strengthen the capital city’s transportation network as part of the FCT Administration’s broader modernisation agenda.
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