From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, officially flagged off the construction of a crucial 7-kilometer road connecting Bill Clinton Drive near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community in Abuja. The project, which bypasses the airport’s second runway, aims to fulfill a promise made by President Bola Tinubu to the nine communities that sacrificed land for the runway’s construction, the minister said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike stated that, “One of the things that the communities asked for is that they had to be connected and linked up with roads; it would be quite unfair that their land was collected for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense. I had to take this matter to the President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them.’”
He further noted, “This is a government that listens, a government that keeps its promises. For the first time in your lives, you asked for one thing, and the government responded. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.”
The road project, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in February 2025, includes modern infrastructure such as an asphalt-paved road, a four-span river bridge, advanced drainage systems, and solar-powered street lighting.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, explained that the project would significantly improve access, security, and economic prospects for the nine linked communities. He added, “The road will enhance the socio-economic well-being of the residents by facilitating the movement of people and agricultural produce and creating vital job opportunities for the local youths during construction.”
Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the initiative as “the beginning of a journey that touches life, opens doors, and transforms communities in the FCT.” She thanked President Tinubu and Wike for their commitment, highlighting the project’s potential to renew hope and drive development.
Besides the infrastructural announcement.
Meanwhile, Wike took the opportunity to strongly endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the February 2026 Abuja Area Council elections, urging residents to support incumbent AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu. Maikalangu, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, is seeking re-election for a second term.
Wike praised Maikalangu as a tireless advocate for the communities, stating, “Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process. He kept pressing, and here we are today. I am handing him over to you. Support him in the February 2026 elections, so that by June, when the road is commissioned, we’ll all dance together in celebration.”
Emphasising the connection between government performance and electoral loyalty, Wike told the crowd, “One good turn deserves another. When you do for me, I do for you. When you fall for me, I fall for you. When you listen to me, I listen to you.”
He challenged residents to reflect on past leadership and questioned why previous council chairmen neglected Tunga Madaki. “Did anyone remember Tunga Madaki? Did they connect you to the airport whose land you gave away? Ask them where they were when your roads were impassable.”
The Minister concluded with a symbolic admonition: “Remember the man who remembered you during the rainy season. This is a time to stand with the party that brought development to your doorstep.” He expressed confidence that the road would catalyse development across the nine formerly underserved communities once completed and commissioned by June 2026, coinciding with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
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