President Tinubu is creating employment opportunities for Nigerians through infrastructure development, according to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. The Minister made this known in Abuja on Thursday, September 25, 2025, during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) from the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to the Airport Expressway.
Wike said the President’s consistent support for the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s drive for infrastructure projects has resulted in job creation for Nigerians. He explained that the flag-off and commissioning of 16 vital road projects across the FCT stand as proof of this, noting that each project translates into employment opportunities for citizens.
“With the number of jobs we are doing in the FCT, you can see the number of people that will be engaged one way or the other. If we are using 16 days to flag off projects of different categories, then see the number of persons that will be engaged in these projects. 16 days means 16 companies being involved in these projects,” he stated.
According to him, the ongoing investment in infrastructure directly supports the economy and provides sustainable livelihoods. “So, Mr. President, through the provision of infrastructure, is also creating employment for our people,” Wike added.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to the FCT as well as to Area Council Chairmen for their collaboration. “We want to sincerely thank Mr. President. I also want to thank the Area Council Chairmen for their support of Mr. President and this administration. I urge you to continue because we are all partners in progress,” he said.
Highlighting the broader impact of infrastructure, Wike assured Abuja residents that projects in education and health are also receiving attention. He stressed that the administration’s goal is to ensure that by the end of President Tinubu’s first term, Abuja will compare with other developed cities globally.
“I want to assure residents of Abuja, by the grace of God, before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will compete with most of the cities of the world. That is a bank draft I have given to you to go home with,” the Minister said.
“I will continue to develop other areas, not only the city but also the satellite towns. We have very massively started again to reconstruct most of the schools. Now, we are also entering the health sector. I have said that no sector will be left untouched. We will make sure every sector is given the attention that it requires,” he emphasized.
Speaking specifically about the Arterial Road N20 project, Wike explained that the contract was awarded in March 2025 by the Federal Executive Council to Messrs. Gilmor Nigeria Limited. He pointed out that the road, once completed, would raise the value of properties within the area, boost investment in real estate, and generally improve the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister pledged that the project would be fully funded to ensure its timely completion. He also called on the contractor to employ youths during the construction phase to give them an avenue for livelihood while urging residents to cooperate with the project team.
In her remarks, the Acting Head of the FCTA Civil Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, said the project would stimulate economic activities by improving access to commercial areas and the Airport Expressway. She added that it would attract investments, enhance safety for commuters, support local businesses, and increase convenience.
Providing details on the scope of work, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the new road would connect the northern part of the city with the southern part through the Airport Expressway. He said that once completed, it would ease traffic congestion across the Phase Two districts of Wuye, Jabi, Utako, Dakibiyu, and Kukwaba, as well as the sector centres.
Engr. Dauda outlined that the project scope covers the construction of a dual carriageway of three lanes each, including a parking lane, making it a total of eight lanes. It also includes the construction of two river bridges of four spans each and a dual bridge of three spans across the rail lines at Kukwaba. Other works include surface water drainage, street lighting, telecommunication ducts, and a water supply distribution network. He confirmed that the contractor had already mobilized to site and commenced work.
On behalf of Gilmor Nigeria Limited, the General Manager, Mr. Shay Goldhar, pledged timely delivery of the project. He thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the company and promised to deliver the road in line with international quality standards and the expectations of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Abuja residents.