President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure projects across the country.
Represented by Senate President , the President declared that the era of abandoned public projects was gradually coming to an end, stressing that his administration remains focused on delivering projects that stimulate economic growth, improve transportation and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
“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,” Tinubu said during the inauguration ceremony.
The President described infrastructure as the foundation of economic development, noting that the newly completed road would create opportunities for businesses and residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, the project forms part of a broader effort to transform Abuja’s transportation network, recalling that the first phase of the OSEX project from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction was commissioned in 2024, while the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway was inaugurated in 2025.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the FCT, , for providing focused leadership and ensuring the successful delivery of infrastructure projects in the capital city.
He said the completed road would help reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs and improve connectivity between Apo and Wasa districts, thereby expanding Abuja’s economic potential.
Speaking at the event, Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to strong collaboration between the government and the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, as well as the administration’s determination to deliver projects within agreed timelines.
The minister disclosed that before awarding the contract in late 2025, he had sought assurances from the contractor that the road could be completed in time for President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Wike revealed that he personally inspected the project site on more than ten occasions to monitor progress and ensure compliance with project specifications and timelines.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects, noting that about 80 per cent of projects executed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were initiated by previous governments.
“Government is a continuum. We cannot abandon projects littered across the FCT,” he said.
The minister also announced that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site for traders and artisans from the Apo Mechanic Village, fulfilling a long-standing government promise to move them to a more suitable environment.
Responding to critics, Wike highlighted ongoing and completed projects in satellite towns, including roads in Kwali, Karu and Kubwa, as well as rural water projects, insisting that significant progress was being made across the FCT.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, , described the OSEX project as a major milestone in Abuja’s ongoing transformation. She commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and praised Wike’s efforts in delivering projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
The newly commissioned road is expected to improve mobility between key districts of the capital, support urban expansion and strengthen Abuja’s transportation network as part of the FCT Administration’s broader modernization agenda.