By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Abuja’s traffic nightmare at the Arterial Road N16/Ring Road II intersection is officially history. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the strategic interchange linking Jahi and Gwarimpa districts, marking day 12 of a historic 31-day project commissioning marathon celebrating his administration’s third anniversary. For residents who lost hours daily in gridlock, the moment felt less like a ribbon-cutting and more like reclaiming their time. According to a press release from Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Hon. Minister, the project embodies what the government calls “Renewed Hope you can drive on.”
The intersection that broke Abuja’s patience
For years, the Jahi-Gwarimpa junction choked movement between Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa. Traffic stretched for kilometers, fuel burned in queues, and businesses missed deadlines. President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, called the new interchange a “tangible manifestation” of the Renewed Hope Agenda and part of a nationwide push to revitalize public infrastructure.
“This story ends today”
“This intersection used to choke Abuja. Gridlock stretched from Maitama to Gishiri, from Jahi to Gwarimpa. Hours were lost. Fuel was wasted. Businesses were delayed. Today, that story ends,” Tinubu declared. He said the interchange will open up critical districts, speed up movement of goods, get workers home earlier, students to class on time, and improve security. “Criminals thrive where traffic stands still,” he added.
A 31-day showcase of governance
The commissioning is the 12th consecutive day of a 31-day itinerary celebrating three years of the administration. Each day, a completed project is being handed over to Nigerians as proof of impact, with the FCT taking center stage this week. The event signals government’s intent to make infrastructure delivery visible and measurable.
Wike gets presidential praise
Tinubu commended FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his “indefatigable drive” in executing the directive to “make Abuja work.” He said Wike has domesticated Renewed Hope across both the city center and satellite towns. “Wike, you are delivering. From roads to bridges, from city centre to satellite towns, you are domesticating Renewed Hope across the FCT. Nigerians can see it. Critics can see it. Residents feel it,” the President stated.
Team FCTA also honored
Praise also went to FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the FCTA team, and contractors CBC Global Civil Construction Nig. Ltd. Tinubu noted they delivered high-quality engineering on schedule while boosting the local economy through youth employment during construction.
Akpabio defends the roads-first strategy
Speaking personally, Senate President Akpabio pushed back at critics questioning heavy investment in roads. He argued that good roads are prerequisites for healthcare, education, and markets. “If past administrations prioritized infrastructure instead of exclusive air travel, our resources today would be redirected elsewhere,” he said, linking roads directly to citizens’ welfare.
Macroeconomic reforms enable delivery
Akpabio credited Tinubu’s macroeconomic reforms for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue base. He said the reforms have empowered state governors to execute projects and pay salaries without borrowing. He also revealed the National Assembly is working on constitutional reforms to move security to the concurrent list, paving way for state police.
From abandoned blueprint to completed reality
FCT Minister Wike revealed the Jahi-Gwarimpa project was awarded just two days before Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023, with zero mobilization funds. That the administration refused to abandon it, he said, proves a “mature, continuous approach to governance aimed purely at societal development.”
Breaking Nigeria’s abandonment cycle
Wike criticized the historic habit of successive leaders abandoning predecessors’ projects. He praised Tinubu for breaking that cycle. “The completion of this interchange shows this administration prioritizes societal development over political ego. Government is indeed a continuous entity,” Wike stated.
You cannot eat roads” – Wike’s response
Responding to an ADC faction’s claim that citizens “cannot eat roads alone,” Wike defended the infrastructural focus. “Roads are the absolute bedrock and engine of development globally. How do you access hospitals, schools, or farms without transport networks?” He stressed that Nigerians can now drive freely on corridors where past administrations failed for years.
Beyond roads: Water and business reforms
Wike dismissed claims the administration focuses only on roads. He highlighted massive investments in water infrastructure and ease of doing business. A neighborhood water project was recently commissioned in Karu, with another major satellite town water project set for Bwari on July 14. “Leadership is delivering tangible results,” he said.
25,000 C of Os vs 4,000 in 13 years
In a stark contrast, Wike noted that between 2010 and 2023, less than 4,000 Certificates of Occupancy were signed in the FCT. Under Tinubu’s three years, over 25,000 C of Os have been signed. He said this has unlocked capital and dramatically improved ease of doing business for Abuja residents and investors.
An economic nexus, not just traffic relief
FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said the interchange does more than manage traffic. It functions as a vital economic nexus connecting businesses and opportunities across Abuja’s expanding population. She commended the synergy within FCTA leadership and Wike’s result-oriented governance style.
Engineering details: Bridges, ramps, drains
Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, gave the technical breakdown. The contract went to CBC Global Nigeria Ltd in May 2023. Completed work includes a dual carriageway on Arterial N16 from Jahi to Gwarimpa, two interchange bridges with four spans each, 750 meters of ramp roads, 1.6km of retaining walls, 1.5km of 2-lane service roads along Ring Road 2, culverts, concrete drains, and underground services including storm water drainage, sewer lines, telecom ducts, and street lighting.
From criminal hideout to lit passageway
CBC Global Managing Director Alhaji Umar Yahaya said the site was once a bushy hideout for criminals and shanties. “Today it’s a beautifully lit, safe, and modern passageway,” he stated, reinforcing the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and partnership with FCTA.
Responsibility for citizens
While congratulating residents of Jahi, Gwarimpa, Katampe and neighboring communities for their patience, President Tinubu reminded them that civic rights coexist with responsibilities. He urged citizens to protect the new infrastructure and remain diligent in paying taxes and levies to fund further development. The message was clear: government builds, citizens must guard.
The Jahi-Gwarimpa interchange now stands as both infrastructure and symbolism — proof that Abuja can work when projects are completed, not abandoned. For thousands of commuters, the real commissioning begins tomorrow morning, when they drive through without stopping.
