President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly completed Arterial Road N16 in Abuja, describing the landmark project as a testament to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a significant step toward national infrastructure transformation.
The road, which links Shehu Shagari Way (Ring Road 1/Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), was executed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike.
The project includes feeder roads, interchanges, and modern engineering infrastructure aimed at easing traffic flow and improving connectivity in the Maitama District and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the commissioning, President Tinubu lauded Wike’s leadership and teamwork, acknowledging the role of traditional rulers and local communities in ensuring peaceful and smooth execution of the project.
“He could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership,” the President stated.
Addressing the political undertones surrounding Wike’s current affiliation with the opposition, Tinubu struck a humorous but strategic tone.
“He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us’,” the President quipped, drawing applause from the audience.
Highlighting the significance of Arterial Road N16, Tinubu described it as more than a transportation route — calling it a “symbol of transformation.”
“What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure,” he said. “Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.”
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to building across sectors — from roads and rail to healthcare and digital infrastructure — pledging to continue delivering results despite political distractions.
“We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter how much the lesser minds pursue their politics,” Tinubu asserted.
In his remarks, Minister Wike praised the Tinubu administration for restoring public trust in government and fostering an environment where contractors are motivated to deliver swiftly and efficiently.
“This road was awarded by this administration. It is not one of those we inherited,” Wike said, noting that the project was approved in September 2023 and commenced the following month.
He highlighted the new wave of contractor confidence under Tinubu's leadership, where companies are mobilizing to project sites without initial payments.
“No contract awarded under this administration in the FCT has been abandoned. By your third anniversary next year, you will see that virtually all these contracts will have been completed,” Wike promised.
The Minister also underscored the strategic importance of the road in connecting major judicial and administrative institutions including the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court.
Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explained that the 3.7-kilometre Arterial Road N16 links key districts including Maitama, Katampe, Utako, and Jahi. The project features a six-lane dual carriageway with additional parking lanes, effectively making it an eight-lane road.
Infrastructure components include dual interchanges and flyovers, underground drainage systems, water and sewage networks, telecommunication ducts, and modern street lighting.
“This project has greatly enhanced circulation and inter-district connection within the city,” Dauda stated.
Wike closed with a swipe at opposition efforts, asserting that the administration’s visible achievements have neutralized political coalitions.
“Your good works have defeated the coalition. For the next 17 days, every national television station will be showing your project inaugurations,” he declared.
The event marks another milestone in the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure push, underscoring its strategy of visible governance and inter-governmental collaboration.