President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction in the Federal Capital Territory, describing the development as part of ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in Abuja.
The Punch reported that the commissioning ceremony was held on Tuesday along the OSEX–Wasa Road, with Tinubu represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his remarks, President Tinubu said his administration had remained committed to delivering projects that produce visible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, stressing that governance must be judged by tangible results.
He stated that his government prioritised dedication and practical outcomes over quick fixes.
“Fellow citizens, when we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work.
“We promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on!” the president stated.
Tinubu further explained that the project represents a broader vision of infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and employment creation.
He said, “What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Look around you. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth.
“If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker, and the industrialist—you build roads.”
Recalling earlier stages of the project, the president noted that sections of the Outer Southern Expressway had already been completed and inaugurated in phases.
He stated, “We inherited this journey of the Outer Southern Expressway. Right here in June 2024, we commissioned the first stage from the Villa Roundabout all the way to the Ring Road 1 Junction, complete with its interchanges.
“By last year, 2025, we stood here again to open up the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure continuity and completion of all ongoing projects nationwide.
“I have said it before; we don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away! We finish what we start,” he said.
He added that the latest phase of the expressway would further improve connectivity across the capital city and ease movement.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as effective leadership and strong project supervision in Abuja.
He said the minister had ensured discipline among contractors and delivered on the administration’s vision.
“Minister Wike, you have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive.
“This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda—delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time. I thank you,” the president added.
Tinubu said the new road would significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve productivity in the capital.
“Dear residents of the FCT, the benefits of this vital road infrastructure, for which we are gathered here today to celebrate, are quite immense. Let us think about the thousands of commuters who will no longer be trapped in gridlock.
“Think about the fuel saved, the man-hours gained, and the seamless connection this creates across the capital city. By linking the Apo District to Wasa, we are expanding Abuja’s economic footprint, opening up new areas for development, and lowering the cost of doing business,” he explained.
He also acknowledged the efforts of engineers, construction workers, and host communities impacted during the project’s execution.
Reaffirming the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, Tinubu said investments would continue across sectors and regions of the country.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reassure you that our administration remains fiercely committed to infrastructure development across every single block of this federation.
“We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people,” the president concluded.
Earlier, the FCT Minister explained that the OSEX project was awarded between October and November of the previous year to construction company CGC, and he had initially challenged the contractor on whether it could be completed within the administration’s third anniversary timeline.
According to him, the firm assured him of timely delivery despite the complexity of the project, which involved multiple culverts and bridges.
He said he personally inspected the site repeatedly to monitor progress and was satisfied that the contractor fulfilled its promise.
“I have inspected this road several times to ensure they would keep their promise. Indeed, they did. I sincerely want to thank CGC. This shows that nothing is impossible when there is determination and commitment.”
The minister also spoke about efforts to relocate traders from Apo Mechanic Village, noting that previous administrations had promised to provide a more structured environment for them.
He said the current administration had now delivered on that promise by providing a new location with supporting infrastructure such as access roads and water supply.
Wike also highlighted what he described as the importance of continuity in governance, saying many of the projects being commissioned were inherited but completed under the present administration.
“One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects, not just projects initiated by you but also those initiated by previous administrations. This administration has demonstrated that commitment,” the minister noted.
He further stated, “Since 2023, when Mr President inaugurated us as ministers, at least 80 per cent of the projects we have completed were inherited from previous administrations. That is leadership.”
He added that ongoing infrastructure efforts would extend to satellite towns such as Kwali, Karu, Kubwa, and other surrounding communities, including water supply projects across the FCT.
According to him, this reflects a deliberate strategy to ensure that development is spread across the entire territory rather than concentrated in the city centre.
He urged residents to appreciate the progress being made while thanking the President for his continued support for infrastructure delivery across the capital.
