President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that no Nigerian community should suffer in the name of national development, as he commissioned a 7-kilometre access road bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the ceremony on Thursday, the President said the project was initiated to address years of neglect experienced by communities that surrendered their ancestral lands for the construction of the airport’s second runway without receiving adequate infrastructure in return.
Tinubu described the newly completed road and four-span bridge as more than a transportation project, noting that it would enhance security around the airport, ease traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth in Tungan Madaki and neighbouring communities.
He recalled that residents willingly gave up their land in the national interest but were left without proper road access for years.
“No citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, I directed that whatever was needed to restore and improve the lives of the affected communities should be provided,” the President said.
According to him, the road serves as a strategic economic corridor that will improve connectivity, support local businesses, and ensure easier movement of people and goods throughout the year.
Tinubu also commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project within 16 months of its approval, describing him as “Mr. Project” for his commitment to infrastructure development.
He urged residents to protect the road from encroachment and maintain its drainage systems, while assuring Nigerians that his administration remains committed to delivering projects that improve lives despite ongoing economic challenges.
Earlier, Wike said the project forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and reflects the government’s commitment to extending development to underserved satellite communities.
He praised residents of Tungan Madaki for cooperating with the government during the acquisition of land for the airport’s second runway, noting that their requests were limited to employment opportunities for youths and the construction of access roads.
The minister disclosed that the government had already fulfilled the employment aspect of the agreement and was now delivering the promised infrastructure.
Wike added that the new road links communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council, improves access to the airport, and is expected to boost economic activities across the area.
He further revealed that plans are underway to extend the road to Zuba, while warning against illegal encroachment on the road corridor.
The project is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate movement around the airport corridor, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Tungan Madaki, Zuba and surrounding communities.