THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS STRATEGIC AIRPORT BYPASS RURAL ROAD

L-R Executive Director, CCECC, Henry Shao, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Jarigbe Agom and Senator Allwell Onyesoh, at the commissioning of the newly constructed road linking Airport Road (Bill Clinton Drive) with Tugan Madaki Community in Abuja on Thursday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS STRATEGIC AIRPORT BYPASS RURAL ROAD

…SAYS NO CITIZEN SHOULD BE A VICTIM OF DEVELOPMENT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the 7-kilometer access road bypassing the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport's second runway, off the Bill Clinton Drive to the Tugan Madaki settlement in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, June 18, 2026, President Tinubu who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, noted that the newly commissioned route with a four span bridge will open up critical economic pathways for local communities that have spent years physically isolated from the economic heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He stressed that the project situated in the FCT’s Aerotropolis District will also address a long-standing historical injustice against original inhabitants of the area who had surrendered their ancestral lands to allow the construction of the strategically vital second runway.

"These patriotic communities gave up land for airplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet, motorcycles and vehicles. Let me state this clearly: no citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: 'Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them. My administration will not just take from the communities, we build, we replace, and we elevate”, President Tinubu stated

He commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team for their rapid execution of the project, noting that the FCT Administration, following presidential approval in February 2025, mobilized immediately and finished the entire road stretch and bridge in just 16 months.

He said, "Wike, you are 'Mr. Project', and you have not disappointed us. Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve".

President Tinubu who also lauded the engineering team's capacity, urged the traditional rulers and local residents to fiercely protect the infrastructure by keeping drainage systems free of refuse and preventing illegal construction along the right-of-way.

Addressing the ongoing economic reforms, President Tinubu, acknowledged the painful rise in the cost of living and reassured citizens that the government has taken very difficult but necessary decisions that will ensure a stronger Nigeria.

The Senate President, while delivering the executive address, also lauded the FCT Minister's unparalleled track record, suggesting that in addition to his iconic name of "Mr. Project," Barrister Wike should also be called "Mr. Deliverer".

"This is the first time a Minister will set aside 31 consecutive days just for the commissioning of completed projects", the Senate President remarked.

He described Barr. Wike as a "miracle worker" and commended President Tinubu for his foresight in appointing the Minister to spearhead the FCT's transformation.

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, praised the people of Tugan Madaki for their peaceful cooperation, noting that the communities, rather than demanding exorbitant financial payouts, requested basic, life-changing necessities like roads and employment which he said the FCT Administration has granted.

He said "The community did not say, 'If you don't give us 1 billion Naira, you will not come there. They made basic demands. They requested jobs—and by the grace of God, we employed them. They requested a road, and today, Hope has returned to them".

Barr. Wike further disclosed that he has issued a directive to the contractor, CCECC to complete the extension from Tungan Madaki down to Zuba by December 2026 to further open up the area and link the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) directly to the Gwagwalada Area Council.

The Minister issued a stern warning to land speculators looking to exploit the new infrastructure to steer clear of the road and promised that the FCTA will issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to local residents to secure their rightful land ownership.

The Head of Service of the FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, while delivering the vote of thanks, commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to grassroots connectivity under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and lauded the FCT Minister’s tireless oversight. She also recognized the National Assembly for its seamless legislative support in approving the resources necessary to bring the project to fruition.

Delivering the project overview, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda stated that the project was part of the FCTA's mandate and sustained drive towards providing infrastructure development in the FCT. Engr Dauda pointed out that the scope of work includes the construction of a two-lane asphalt paved carriageway of 7 kilometers with 14 kilometers of trapezoidal concrete line drains.

He said that the project which primarily included the construction of access roads to Tungan Madaki would improve security around Abuja Airport, linking Bill Clinton Drive to the bridge, and connect eight other communities to the 7km two-lane asphalt bridge with other parts of the FCT. He outlined that the benefits of the project surpassed that of a mere road, as it will reduce travel time, and ease the movement of people and agricultural products in and out of the area.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), Mr. Henry Shao, stated that the project reflects President Tinubu and the FCT Minister determination to extend development to the rural areas in line with the Renewed Hope Agenga.

Additional Picture and Caption

 

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike waves at a crowd of excited residents of Tugan Madaki who came to witness the commissioning of the road leading to their community from the Bill Clinton Drive of the Abuja Airport on Thursday

RABI MUSA UMAR

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)

FCTA/ODP/PR/860

18/06/2026