President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the construction of the two service carriageways along the Southern Parkway will significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and accelerate development across Abuja’s southern districts.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the project in Gaduwa District, Abuja. He was represented at the event by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu described the Southern Parkway as one of the most strategic corridors in the Abuja Master Plan, noting that it serves as a key link between several districts along the southern axis of the capital city.
According to him, the corridor forms part of the Southern Development Corridor, stretching from the Inner Southern Expressway in Phase One and terminating in Phase Four. He said its full development would enhance vehicular movement and provide critical inter-district connections across the FCT.
The President noted that while the main carriageway, now known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and commissioned, the construction of the service lanes was necessary to fully realize the original vision for the corridor.
“These service carriageways are designed to improve mobility and ease access for residents. Communities such as Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and several mass housing estates in Phase Two currently experience severe traffic congestion. Once completed, the project will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs and improve the quality of life for residents,” he said.
Tinubu stated that the project aligns with his administration’s infrastructure renewal programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda and forms part of a broader effort to transform transportation infrastructure in the FCT.
He highlighted other major infrastructure projects completed or underway in Abuja, including Arterial Road N20, now named Professor Wole Soyinka Way, the N16 Interchange connecting Jahi and Gwarimpa, as well as road projects in Kuje, Gwagwalada and Mabushi.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and commitment to infrastructure delivery.
“Since assuming office, you have revived abandoned projects, set clear targets and delivered results. Nigerians are seeing the transformation taking place in the FCT,” Tinubu said.
He also praised the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and officials of the FCT Administration for maintaining quality standards and effective supervision of ongoing projects.
Appealing to residents of affected communities, Tinubu urged them to remain patient during the construction period, acknowledging that temporary traffic diversions and delays were inevitable.
He also charged the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver quality work while creating employment opportunities for local youths and artisans.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed concerns that the approach of the election season could slow down infrastructure development in the territory.
“Elections or no elections, we will continue to implement the directive of Mr. President to transform the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike said.
The minister expressed confidence that Abuja’s landscape would be significantly transformed before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.
“By the time Mr. President completes his first tenure on May 29, 2027, and before he is sworn in for a second tenure, the landscape of Abuja will have changed completely, by the grace of God,” he said.
Wike disclosed that he had engaged the management of CGC Nigeria Limited on the project timeline and received assurances that the contractor would work round the clock to ensure timely delivery, provided government met its funding obligations.
He said he expected the road project to be commissioned before the commencement of election activities in January 2027.
The minister also warned against illegal developments and land encroachment along the project corridor, directing relevant departments to identify and remove structures erected on unapproved lands.
“Those who have forged documents and encroached on government land should know that it will not work. Any illegal structure along the corridor will be removed. We must protect the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan,” he warned.
In a technical presentation, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the contract for the project was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited in May 2026 and that the contractor had already mobilised to site.
Dauda explained that the project involves the construction of approximately three kilometres of dual service roads, two river bridges, drainage systems, culverts and street lighting infrastructure.
He described the Southern Parkway as the vehicular backbone of the Southern Development Corridor and said the project would provide seamless connectivity between the Central Area and Phase Four districts.
According to him, the completed service carriageways will ease traffic congestion currently experienced along Shehu Yar’Adua Way, Oladipo Diya Way and other major routes serving Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and Duboyi districts.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and commended stakeholders whose support made the initiative possible.
She described the development as a critical intervention that would enhance transportation efficiency, reduce congestion and stimulate economic activities across the affected districts.
The Southern Parkway service carriageways project is expected to open up Abuja’s southern development corridor, improve access to emerging residential communities and strengthen the capital city’s transportation infrastructure as part of the Federal Government’s urban renewal agenda.