The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development and local capacity building with the commissioning of the dualised Ushafa–War College Army checkpoint road and other key access roads within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The project, handled by a Nigerian contractor, reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to drive inclusive development and foster homegrown expertise.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the project as a symbol of renewed hope and tangible progress for the people of Bwari and surrounding communities.
“This is more than the unveiling of a road. It is the fulfilment of a longstanding promise. For years, the journey between Ushafa and the War College checkpoint has been one of hardship. Today, that burden is lifted,” the Vice President said.
He emphasized that the road will significantly boost economic activities, improve access to schools and healthcare services, and enhance the daily lives of residents.
“We are laying foundations not only of asphalt and concrete but of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusion. This project stands as a clear commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
A notable aspect of the initiative was the use of a local contractor, Abdul Val, to execute the project. According to the President, this was an intentional step to promote indigenous talent and create employment opportunities.
“We are not just building infrastructure—we are building Nigerians. We are investing in our own people, stimulating local economies, and cultivating national pride. This project proves that Nigerians are more than capable of delivering world-class results,” the Vice President declared.
President Tinubu also underscored his administration’s focus on fair and balanced development across all parts of the FCT, stating, “No part of the FCT will be left behind. Development must be comprehensive and far-reaching.”
On his part, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for directing attention toward neglected satellite towns.
He described the commissioning as historic, noting that no previous President, Vice President, Senate President, or FCT Minister had ever visited the area councils for such an occasion.
“This is the first time we’re seeing top-level leadership physically present in these councils to commission projects. It shows the President’s unmatched commitment to the ordinary citizens living outside the city centre,” Wike said.
The Minister candidly admitted that he was initially sceptical about the ability of the Satellite Towns Development (STD) coordinator to deliver the project. However, he commended her efforts and shared his intense supervision experience.
“I gave the coordinator sleepless nights. I visited this site over 15 times—on weekends, holidays—you name it. I may have even made life difficult for her husband,” Wike joked, drawing laughter from the audience. “But today, we can all be proud of what has been achieved.”
In a lighter moment, the Minister playfully responded to the Vice President’s known enthusiasm for his dancing. “The Vice President enjoys seeing me dance. If I’m not careful, I just might dance today,” he said, sending the crowd into cheers.
He concluded his remarks with a sharp rebuke to cynics who refuse to acknowledge progress. “Some people have eyes but still choose not to see. May they never see again,” he said pointedly.
The newly commissioned roads in Bwari are expected to ease transportation challenges, open up economic corridors, and reinforce the Tinubu administration’s agenda of national development driven by local participation and equity.