By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the inauguration of B6, B12 roads in the Central Business District of Abuja after 17 years shows the unwavering commitment of this government to urban renewal of the capital city.
President Tinubu said this on Thursday at the inauguration of Roads B6, and B12 and the Circle roads in the Central Business District Area of Abuja.
The Senate President , Senator Godswill Akpabio who represented President Tinubu said, ” this event stands as testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal, a cornerstone of our vision for a more prosperous and much more connected Nigeria.”
“When I assumed office one year ago, my administration set forth an ambitious agenda to transform our nation’s infrastructural landscape. We recognise that an efficient transport network remains vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.”
The president expressed his delight that the three roads were completed in a record time of one year under the watch of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike’s one year in office.
He also noted that the strategic roads will enhance economic activities, improve accessibility and the quality of life of citizens.
“Roads B6 (Constitution Avenue) and Road B12 (Independence Avenue), are located in Abuja’s Central Area District , which houses the three-arms zone, cultural and diplomatic zones, as well as Ministries, States Liaison offices, corporate and commercial offices.”
The completion of these roads remains a demonstration of what we can achieve through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment and elaborate collaborative efforts. These roads are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within our Capital City.
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysom the Wike disclosed that the B6, B12 roads was first awarded on 14th May, 2997 at the cost of N48.5 billion, but it was later revised in January 2021 at the cost of N98.8 billion, adding that it has finally completed 17 years after.
Wike said, ” When you talk about Renewed Hope, this is a road that was awarded in 2007, in just one year of Mr. President’s administration, the road has been completed.”
” For those who know mathematics, they can tell you that it is up to 17 good years. Today Mr. President in just one year it has been able to deliver it. This is the kind of leadership we are talking about, Wike said.
The FCT Minister explained that the administration has since completed all the projects that were awarded by previous administrations from 2007 to 2010 to 2015 to 2019.
“If you check our budget of 2024, 58 percent of our capital expenditure is tied to old projects and then 42 percent is to enable us to go on new projects”, he explained.
Further, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said that the new road infrastructure is a commitment to progress and prosperity.
It will not only enhance accessibility to key areas within the Central District, but also contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of our region, she said.
