President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, officially commissioned the newly completed Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), which links the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road 1) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), alongside an interchange and connecting roads within Katampe District, Abuja.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, President Tinubu underscored the vital role of infrastructure in advancing national development and fostering unity. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to upgrading critical sectors—transportation, power, healthcare, education, and digital technology—under the Renewed Hope Agenda to unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential.
Highlighting the importance of Arterial Road N16, the President noted that the project connects key districts such as Jahi, Katampe, Maitama, and Mabushi within the capital, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transforming urban infrastructure.
He emphasized that what once was an undeveloped stretch has now been transformed into a durable and fully functional road, reflecting the practical realization of his administration’s developmental vision.
President Tinubu praised FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team for their effective leadership, acknowledging their role in ensuring timely delivery of the project through cooperation and efficiency.
He commended the peaceful relocation and generous compensation of local communities along the project path, which allowed for development without displacement or unrest. Addressing traditional leaders present, the President remarked:
“They told me of your cooperation with the FCT Minister. You were respectfully relocated, not displaced. Development must come, but how we manage it makes the difference. Your trust and support brought us here today. We appreciate your cooperation, and I also thank the Minister for ensuring peaceful resettlement with fair compensation.”
In his address, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project was initiated under the current administration in October 2024. He praised the contractors, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC), for delivering the work on time and noted the increased confidence among contractors due to the administration’s commitment to prompt payment.
Wike further revealed that affected communities were compensated at 200% of the standard rate, ensuring smooth progress of the project. “We paid them adequately and ensured they were relocated to suitable areas so nothing would hinder the work,” he said.
He expressed appreciation on behalf of Abuja residents to President Tinubu for his ongoing efforts in the capital, and assured that all contracts awarded under the current FCT Administration would be completed before the end of the President’s third year in office.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast support and infrastructure drive. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Vice President, National Assembly, and Federal Executive Council, while commending Wike’s leadership for “transforming Abuja.”
Presenting the technical details, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that Arterial Road N16 is a six-lane dual carriageway stretching about 3.7 kilometers. It includes two interchanges and runs from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway at Nicon Junction to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), passing through Katampe District.
He added that the road’s completion greatly improves connectivity between Maitama (Phase I) and Katampe (Phase II), extending access to the Jahi District via Wole Soyinka Way—enhancing mobility within the city.
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