Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for engaging China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to deliver a new seven-kilometre access road linking communities around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Akpabio gave the commendation while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of the road project, which stretches from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki settlement and includes a four-span bridge.
The Senate President said the choice of CCECC for the project inspired confidence, citing the company’s performance during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, one of the roads constructed by the firm more than 15 years ago has remained in excellent condition without developing potholes. “I also come from a community. So I know what it means to stay for 37 years, 40 years without a road,” Akpabio said, adding, “Coincidentally, the company that constructed this road, CCECC, worked with me for eight years of my administration as a governor.
“One of the roads they did for me was commissioned about 15 years ago. Till today there is no pothole. So when I came and I saw that they handled this road, I was very sure that particularly with the terrain in the FCT, we are looking at 35 years without a pothole. So I want to commend you for using a very good construction company.”
He described the project as the fulfilment of a longstanding promise to communities affected by the construction of the airport’s second runway.
In a message delivered by Akpabio, President Tinubu said the road was conceived to address years of neglect suffered by host communities that surrendered land for the expansion of the airport.
The President noted that despite their sacrifice in the national interest, the communities had remained without basic road infrastructure for years. “Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for aeroplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” he said.
“Let me state this clearly: no citizen should be made a victim of national development.
We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” he stated.
Tinubu described the road as an economic corridor that would strengthen security around the airport, ease traffic movement and stimulate economic activities within surrounding communities.
He added that the four-span bridge would ensure uninterrupted movement of people, goods and services throughout the year.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the project formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had already directed CCECC Nigeria Limited to extend the road to Zuba in order to maximise its economic and social benefits.
He said the project underscored the administration’s determination to spread infrastructure development beyond Abuja’s city centre to underserved communities.
Wike also praised residents of the host communities for their cooperation during the construction of the airport’s second runway.
“I must commend this community as a strong example for others to learn from. They did not make unrealistic demands or attempt to frustrate government efforts,” he said. “Instead, they made two simple requests: employment for their youths and access roads for their community.
“They did not demand huge monetary compensation or place unnecessary conditions. They simply asked for jobs and roads.”
The minister stated that the Federal Government had already fulfilled the employment aspect of its commitment and was now delivering the promised road infrastructure.
According to him, the project will improve connectivity between communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and the Gwagwalada Area Council, while opening up new opportunities for commerce and development.
Earlier, executive director of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Zhao ZongHe, said the successful completion of the project reflected strong leadership, collaboration and commitment among stakeholders.
He said the road and bridge project represented more than physical infrastructure, noting that it would help integrate Tungan Madaki and neighbouring communities more fully into the social and economic life of the nation’s capital. “For many years, the Tunga Madaki community did not receive enough attention and development,” Zhao said.
“But under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, the voice of this community has truly been heard,” ZongHe said. He added that the project aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to deliver infrastructure that directly addresses the needs of citizens.
ZongHe credited Wike’s hands-on supervision for helping the contractor complete the project ahead of schedule.
According to him, the minister made several visits to the construction site to monitor progress, provide guidance and ensure timely delivery.
He said the completed road would enhance mobility, improve access to economic opportunities and contribute to the continued development of communities around the airport corridor.
