President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja, a major infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ceremony took place on Tuesday along the OSEX-Wasa Road corridor, a key transport route linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction.
President Highlights Commitment to Infrastructure
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu emphasized that the road project reflects his administration's dedication to delivering tangible infrastructure that directly improves the lives of Nigerians. He stated that the government focuses on practical results rather than empty promises. "Fellow citizens, when we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn't promise shortcuts. We promised hard work. We promised a renewed hope that is tangible, hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on!" the president declared.
Tinubu noted that infrastructure development remains central to his economic agenda, as roads create business opportunities, reduce transportation costs, and improve mobility. "What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker, and the industrialist—you build roads," he said.
Project Completion and Benefits
The president recalled previous phases of the Outer Southern Expressway completed under his administration, including the first stage from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 Junction in June 2024 and the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025. The latest phase, awarded in late 2025 to engineering firm CGC Nigeria Limited, included bridges and culverts and was completed in just eight months.
Tinubu reiterated his administration's stance against abandoning public projects, stressing that ongoing infrastructure works across the country would be completed. "I have said it before; we don't start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away! We finish what we start," he added.
The newly completed dual carriageway links the Apo District to Wasa, drastically reducing travel time and lowering transport costs for thousands of daily commuters. The president highlighted that the road would ease traffic congestion, save fuel, and expand Abuja's economic footprint by opening up new areas for development.
FCT Minister Praised for Oversight
Tinubu praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for overseeing the delivery of infrastructure projects in Abuja and ensuring contractors met their obligations. "Minister Wike, you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda, delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time," Tinubu said.
Wike disclosed that the project was awarded to CGC between October and November 2025, and he challenged the contractor to complete it before the third anniversary of the current administration. Despite the complexity, including bridges and culverts, CGC met the deadline. "I have inspected this road several times to ensure they would keep their promise. Indeed, they did. This shows that nothing is impossible when there is determination and commitment," Wike stated.
Continuity in Governance
Wike emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, noting that many projects completed under the Tinubu administration were inherited from previous governments. "One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects, not just projects initiated by you but also those initiated by previous administrations. Since 2023, when Mr President inaugurated us as ministers, at least 80 per cent of the projects we have completed were inherited from previous administrations. That is leadership," he said.
The minister added that ongoing project commissioning activities would soon extend to satellite towns and communities across the FCT, including Kwali, Karu, and Kubwa, alongside water infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to basic services. He stressed that development efforts are spread across the entire FCT, not concentrated only within Abuja city centre.
Reassurance to Nigerians
Tinubu assured Nigerians that investments in roads, water supply, and other critical infrastructure would continue across all parts of the country. "Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reassure you that our administration remains fiercely committed to infrastructure development across every single block of this federation. We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people," he concluded.
