President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that no Nigerian community should be made a victim of national development as he commissioned the 7-kilometre access road bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, linking Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement in Abuja.
Represented by Senate President.Godswill Akpabio, the president said the project was undertaken to address years of neglect suffered by communities that surrendered their ancestral lands for the construction of the airport’s second runway but were left without basic road infrastructure.
Tinubu described the newly completed road, which includes a four-span bridge, as more than a transportation project, noting that it would serve as a strategic economic corridor capable of enhancing security around the airport, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating development in Tungan Madaki and neighbouring communities.
He recalled that residents of the host communities willingly gave up their lands to facilitate the construction of the second runway in the national interest.
According to him, despite their sacrifice, the communities remained cut off due to the absence of motorable roads.
“These patriotic communities gave up land for airplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” he said.
The president said that upon being informed of the situation by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, he directed that the concerns of the affected communities be fully addressed.
“Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them. We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” he stated.
Tinubu noted that the road would provide an alternative route around the airport’s second runway, strengthen security around critical aviation infrastructure and ease congestion along Bill Clinton Drive.
He added that the four-span bridge along the route would guarantee uninterrupted movement of people and goods throughout the year.
“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption.
“That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works,” he said.
The president commended Wike for delivering the project within a short period, describing him as “Mr. Project.”
“In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately. 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, and that is the standard this administration will maintain,” Tinubu said.
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing encroachment on the road corridor and ensuring proper maintenance of drainage channels.
The president also acknowledged the economic challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that the reforms introduced by his administration were necessary to secure long-term prosperity.
“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices. Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow,” he said.
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the seventh day of a 31-day programme dedicated to inaugurating completed projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said the road project reflected the administration’s commitment to extending development beyond Abuja city centre to underserved satellite communities.
He praised residents of Tungan Madaki for their cooperation during the acquisition of land for the airport’s second runway, describing them as an example for other host communities.
According to him, the community made only two requests — employment opportunities for its youths and the construction of access roads.
“They did not demand huge monetary compensation or place unnecessary conditions. They simply asked for jobs and roads,” Wike said.
He disclosed that the government had already fulfilled the employment aspect of the agreement and was now delivering the promised road infrastructure.
The minister recalled visiting the community during the flag-off of the project and observing the difficult conditions under which residents lived despite their proximity to an international airport.
He said the road, which links communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council, would improve access for residents travelling to the airport from Zuba and surrounding settlements.
Read also:
- Remi Tinubu Commissions ICT Centre In Benue, Unveils N100m Empowerment Package For 2,000 Women Traders
- Tinubu Appoints Olugbeko As Provost Of Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti
- Tinubu’s economic reforms enabling states deliver developmental projects, says Delta commissioner
Wike also revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had directed the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, to extend the road to Zuba in order to maximise its economic benefits.
He commended the contractor for completing the project within schedule despite initial concerns over the timeline.
The minister, however, warned against encroachment on the road corridor, stressing that the infrastructure was designed to serve host communities and support future development.
“This road is proof that when government and communities work together, progress is possible,” he said.
