President Bola Tinubu has appealed to residents, property owners and business operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfil their civic obligations by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory land charges to support ongoing development across the territory.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the appeal on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed FCT Highway 105, linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Town in Abuja.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of democratic governance reach every part of the FCT, including satellite communities and rural settlements, as well as other parts of the country.
He said the government remains focused on delivering balanced infrastructure and socio-economic growth throughout Abuja, stressing that development should not be concentrated only in the city centre.
According to him, every district and community within the FCT deserves to experience the impact of the government’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Highlighting the importance of the airport corridor, Tinubu described it as more than a transport route, noting that it serves as a gateway through which visitors form their first impressions of Nigeria.
He pledged continued investments in quality roads, improved street lighting, enhanced security, better drainage systems, cleaner environments and modern public facilities that reflect the status of the nation’s capital.
The President added that efforts would continue to extend infrastructure and municipal services to area councils and outlying communities, ensuring that residents in those locations also benefit from government interventions.
He stressed that communities situated along the airport corridor should not be neglected, pointing out that they are home to workers, traders, farmers, students, entrepreneurs and civil servants whose living conditions should reflect the importance of the nation’s capital.
Tinubu further stated that improved road infrastructure boosts economic activity, strengthens connectivity and enhances the experience of both residents and visitors.
Commending FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for driving the project to completion, the President described him as a dependable partner in advancing the administration’s vision of making Abuja more accessible, functional and inclusive.
He also praised the FCT Administration, contractors, consultants and engineers involved in delivering the project, noting that leadership is best demonstrated through tangible achievements.
The President urged residents to safeguard the newly completed road, describing public infrastructure as a collective asset that requires shared responsibility between government and citizens.
Earlier, Wike said the completion of the Kuje road project had brought renewed optimism to residents while creating opportunities for increased economic and social activities in the area.
He recalled that inadequate infrastructure and security concerns were among the major challenges facing Kuje and other area councils when the current administration assumed office.
According to the minister, consultations were held with traditional rulers, political stakeholders and community representatives across the six area councils to determine priority projects, with the Kuje road emerging as one of the most requested interventions.
Wike noted that the road would reduce travel time between Kuje and Abuja city centre, improve access, encourage investment and enhance property values within the corridor.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmud, described the ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory as clear evidence of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action.
She expressed appreciation to the President for supporting the FCT Administration in implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and quality of life of residents.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the contract for the project was awarded in 2022.
He explained that the highway was designed to connect several major road networks within the FCT and provide improved links to neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Dauda added that the project includes drainage facilities and bridge structures, providing alternative routes to Gwagwalada and other communities while strengthening transportation and connectivity across the territory.
The commissioning of the road marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure, improve mobility and stimulate economic growth within the Federal Capital Territory.