President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of abandoned projects in Nigeria is over, emphasizing that his administration will complete every project it initiates or inherits. Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the two main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction.
Commitment to Project Completion
Tinubu assured Nigerians that all projects started or inherited by his government would be finished. "We don't start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start, and even finish the ones we did not start," he said. He reiterated his administration's promise of hard work and renewed hope that is tangible, visible, and drivable.
Infrastructure as Economic Artery
The President described infrastructure as the "artery of economic growth," stressing that building roads unlocks a city's potential, creates jobs, and eases life for market women, corporate workers, and industrialists. He noted that the OSEX project, inherited by his administration, is being developed in phases. In June 2024, the first stage from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction was commissioned. By 2025, the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway was opened. Now, the main carriageway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II Junction has been completed.
Commendation for FCT Minister
Tinubu attributed the structural transformation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to focused, visionary leadership. He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his team for their commitment and determination in reshaping the territory for long-term prosperity. "Minister Wike, you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes and our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda," Tinubu said.
Benefits of the Road Project
The President highlighted that the new road would benefit thousands of commuters by reducing gridlock, saving fuel and man-hours, and creating seamless connections across the capital. He also noted that the administration is expanding Abuja's economic footprint by opening new areas for development and lowering the cost of doing business.
Wike on Project Continuity
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the FCT Administration awarded the project in October 2025 and commended the contractor for delivering on time. He noted that the road corridor currently houses the Apo Mechanic Village, which will soon be relocated to decongest the area. Wike disclosed that 80% of completed projects in FCT were initiated by previous administrations, calling continuity in governance a critical attribute of good leadership. He thanked President Tinubu for insisting on completing all inherited and new projects.
Remarks by Minister of State
Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the OSEX project as a significant milestone in the transformation of the nation's capital. She commended Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, noting that strategic investments in roads, bridges, and other critical projects translate government policies into tangible benefits for citizens. The newly commissioned road is expected to enhance mobility between key districts, support urban expansion, and strengthen Abuja's transportation network as part of the broader modernization agenda.
