“I must recognize your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people,” were the key words President Bola Tinubu used to describe the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike when he commissioned projects executed by the minister in the last one year.
The President thanked the minister “for giving us this hope and for your sincere commitment to shared values. Well done. “As a team leader, you worked so hard, and tirelessly.
“The changes you made in the FCT, structure and administration are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians. Thank you very much.”
Commissioning the Southern Parkway road project in particular President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister for ensuring the completion of the Southern Parkway which he described as a transformative project that connects vital areas within the FCT. The parkway was renamed as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
The President said that the completion of the Southern Parkway symbolizes the collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.
He said that the road project will not only ease traffic congestion but enhance mobility for the residents and visitors to the FCT.
In his remarks, the Minister said that the Southern Parkway contract was awarded in 2010 to Messrs Setraco Ltd at the contract sum of 16.2 billion and was later revised to 35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices.
Wike said that the Parkway stretches from the Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 and is made up of two main carriageways of 4 lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes, in addition to other associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.
He said that the successful completion of the Southern Parkway will provide access and connectivity to the southern flank of the city as outlined in the Abuja master plan.
The minister said that the completion of the project would complement the developed portions of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu and Durumi and bring improved socioeconomic benefits to FCT residents and other Nigerians.
Wike said that the current FCT Administration, on assumption of office, was confronted with many uncompleted projects, which have now been completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
