Chidinma Iroegbu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration on Tuesday flagged off the construction of Collector Road CO1 from the Nile University axis to Ring Road III, with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, declaring that the Tinubu-led administration would continue delivering projects and fulfilling promises to residents despite the approaching political season.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, performed the flag-off and described the project as a strategic investment aimed at improving access to educational institutions, research centres, law chambers and residential communities in Abuja.
Yilwatda said the road was “more than a route,” noting that it would connect learning, innovation and development while supporting the growth of the nation’s capital.
He stated that the project would reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and strengthen infrastructure required for education, justice and economic activities.
The APC chairman said the road forms part of projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda and commended Wike for driving visible infrastructure development across Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the project was conceived following concerns raised by the Body of Benchers over persistent traffic challenges experienced during Call-to-Bar ceremonies and other activities within the district.
According to him, the road would improve movement around key institutions and support residents, professionals and visitors using the area on a daily basis.
Wike disclosed that the contractor, CCECC, had assured the FCTA that the project would be completed by January, adding that the administration remained committed to timely funding of infrastructure projects.
He praised CCECC for consistently delivering major projects across the territory and assured residents that ongoing projects would not be abandoned because of politics. “Whether politics is in the corner or not, we must complete every assignment,” he said.
Representing the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, thanked President Tinubu, the National Assembly and stakeholders for supporting the project, describing it as another step towards improving road connectivity, mobility and urban development in the Federal Capital Territory.