President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly completed 9-kilometre dual carriageway linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje, describing the project as a major infrastructure milestone that will improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and stimulate economic growth across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration ceremony on June 11, 2026, the President said the six-lane road demonstrates his administration’s commitment to delivering practical infrastructure projects that directly improve citizens’ lives.
The newly completed highway, known as FCT Highway 105, stretches from the Airport Expressway to Kuje Town Junction and includes two river bridges designed to improve transportation efficiency and accessibility between Abuja’s city centre and surrounding communities.
President Tinubu said the project would significantly ease movement for commuters, businesses, farmers and residents who previously faced long travel times and traffic bottlenecks along the route.
“This project represents a promise fulfilled. It is a clear example of our commitment to delivering infrastructure that people can see, use and benefit from every day,” the President said.
According to him, the road was originally awarded in 2022 but remained largely abandoned before the current administration revived and completed it.
He noted that the completed carriageway will save valuable commuting time, support commercial activities, improve access to markets and create opportunities for economic expansion in satellite communities around Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasised that balanced development remains a key objective of his administration, stressing that the growth of satellite towns is essential to reducing pressure on Abuja’s rapidly expanding city centre.
He explained that improved transportation links between suburban communities and the capital would encourage investment, support housing development and distribute economic opportunities more evenly across the territory.
“Abuja cannot continue to grow if development is concentrated only within the city centre. We must extend quality infrastructure to surrounding communities and create opportunities closer to where people live,” he said.
The President also praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for ensuring the project’s successful completion, particularly by resolving compensation issues involving affected property owners along the road corridor.
He urged residents and developers to support ongoing infrastructure development by fulfilling civic obligations such as paying taxes, land charges and ground rents.
President Tinubu further called on traditional rulers, youth groups and community stakeholders to protect the newly completed infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.
Speaking during the event, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most important projects undertaken by the administration in response to requests from residents and traditional institutions.
He recalled that when the current administration assumed office, work on the project had stalled despite substantial funds already committed to it.
According to the minister, traditional rulers in Kuje repeatedly appealed to the government to revive the abandoned highway due to its importance for transportation, security and economic activities.
“The people made it clear that this road was a priority because it affected daily life, business activities and security in the area. We listened and ensured that work resumed,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that the project, valued at more than ₦54 billion when awarded in February 2022, had no active contractor on site before the current administration intervened.
Despite funding challenges, he said the FCT Administration completed the six-lane dual carriageway and an additional 4.5-kilometre stretch connecting Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat Road in Kuje.
He explained that the improvements have significantly reduced travel time and improved access between Kuje and Abuja city centre.
Wike noted that poor road conditions previously posed security concerns and limited economic activities in the area.
According to him, residents often struggled with difficult journeys, while some sections of the route became vulnerable to criminal activities due to poor accessibility.
“With these road projects, mobility has improved significantly. Communities are now better connected, businesses can operate more efficiently, and residents can travel with greater ease,” he said.
The minister also announced that work is progressing on the Kuje-Gwagwalada dualization project, another major transportation corridor expected to improve movement across the FCT.
He expressed confidence that the first phase of that project would soon be ready for commissioning.
Beyond infrastructure development, Wike disclosed that newly elected chairmen of the six Area Councils in the FCT would be sworn into office on Monday.
He congratulated the incoming council leaders and urged them to work closely with the administration to deliver meaningful development at the grassroots level.
According to him, effective collaboration between the FCT Administration and Area Councils will help accelerate infrastructure delivery, improve public services and strengthen community development efforts.
FCT Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud described the project as a major achievement under the administration’s development agenda.
She said improved road networks remain critical for economic growth, investment attraction and enhanced quality of life for residents.
Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised Wike for driving transformative projects across the territory.
She urged residents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving transportation, economic opportunities and overall development within the FCT.
Providing technical details of the project, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda explained that FCT Highway 105 serves as a strategic transportation corridor connecting the territory’s northern and southern parts.
He noted that the completed section covers approximately 8.6 kilometres and consists of two main carriageways, each with three lanes, creating a six-lane dual carriageway designed to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.
According to Dauda, the highway is part of a broader transportation network intended to improve connectivity between Abuja, Kuje, Abaji, and neighbouring communities.
Managing Director of Arab Contractors, Engr. Mohamed Eledarous expressed satisfaction with the project’s successful completion and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development initiatives in the FCT.
He said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and effective project management.
The commissioning ceremony attracted se
nior government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, community representatives and residents who gathered to witness the inauguration of one of the administration’s flagship transportation projects.
With the completion of the Airport Expressway-Kuje dual carriageway, stakeholders believe improved mobility, stronger economic activities and enhanced regional connectivity will contribute significantly to the continued growth of the Federal Capital Territory.
