President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is laying the New Nigeria Foundation, a framework designed to create a more prosperous, connected and functional nation for all citizens through strategic reforms and infrastructure development.
The president made the statement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the construction of two service carriageways along the Southern Parkway corridor in Abuja, describing the project as part of a broader transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope programme.
Represented at the event by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu acknowledged that many of the economic and governance reforms implemented over the last three years had been challenging. However, he insisted that the benefits of those decisions were already becoming visible across the country. According to him, infrastructure projects currently underway demonstrate that the administration’s vision is gradually taking shape.
“The results are here – the roads, the bridges, the rails, and housing. We are laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works – and works for all and for our common prosperity.” The president urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that greater achievements lie ahead.
“Stay with us, support us, and stand by the Renewed Hope Agenda. The best of Abuja and the best of Nigeria are still ahead of us.”
Tinubu explained that the newly inaugurated road project aligns with the Abuja Master Plan and is expected to improve traffic circulation across the southern districts of the Federal Capital Territory. The project involves the construction of service carriageways connecting Arterial Road S20, also known as Oladipo Diya Way, to Ring Road II.
According to the president, the development will provide critical inter-district connectivity stretching from Phase I through Phase IV of the capital city. He noted that while the main carriageway, now known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and inaugurated, the additional service lanes are essential for easing daily traffic congestion.
Residents of Duste, Gudu, Gaduwa, Duboyi and nearby housing estates currently experience significant traffic delays, especially during peak hours along the S2 and S20 corridors. Tinubu said the project would reduce commuting stress, improve travel times and lower transportation costs for businesses and families.
“That is the dividend of democracy, and that is the renewed hope that you can feel and you can touch every day.”
The president described the project as another milestone in the administration’s infrastructure drive. He highlighted several ongoing developments within the FCT, including the completion and expansion of major road networks linking key districts.
Among the projects referenced were: Arterial Road N20, now known as Prof. Wole Soyinka Way, N16 Interchange connecting Jahi and Gwarinpa, Road infrastructure projects in Kuje, Ongoing works in Gwagwalada, Urban road developments in Mabushi
According to Tinubu, these projects demonstrate the practical implementation of the New Nigeria Foundation through visible infrastructure improvements.
The president also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for accelerating project delivery across Abuja. Describing him as “Mr Project,” Tinubu said Wike had successfully revived abandoned projects and delivered results within record timelines.
“Most people thought that it was only in Rivers, but you’ve shown clearly that it’s your DNA to do projects always.”
“Through your action, and not just talk alone, you’ve shown that truly, you are Mr Project.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike assured residents that the project would be completed and commissioned before the 2027 general elections. The minister stated that despite increasing political activities ahead of the elections, the FCT Administration would remain focused on delivering development projects.
“I want this job to be inaugurated before we go for the general elections in 2027.” He also assured the contractor that the administration would meet its financial obligations to ensure timely completion.
Wike used the occasion to issue a strong warning to individuals developing properties along the road corridor without proper allocation. He directed development control authorities to demolish illegal structures obstructing the project alignment. According to him, some individuals routinely forge land documents and begin construction whenever major infrastructure projects are announced.
“We have found out that each time we want to carry out construction, people who have not been genuinely allocated land will go in, forge documents, and begin to develop. It will not work.”
The minister directed officials from development control and land administration departments to identify and remove all unauthorized developments along the project corridor.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, explained that the Southern Parkway remains one of the most important transportation corridors within Abuja’s development framework.
He noted that the road begins from the Inner Southern Motorway, also known as the Goodluck Jonathan Motorway, in the Central Area and extends through the southern districts of the capital city. According to officials, the project represents another major component of the administration’s New Nigeria Foundation, aimed at improving mobility, stimulating economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
