Here Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor declares that decades, Abuja’s story was written only in Maitama and Asokoro. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that story changed. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commissioned the newly completed 7km Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, declaring that Renewed Hope has finally reached the FCT’s satellite towns. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described the road as a “definitive promise kept” and a victory for rural communities. At the center of this transformation is the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the man charged with a simple mandate: make Abuja work for all Nigerians. According to a press release from Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Hon. Minister, this project proves that mandate is being executed.
Ending decades of neglect
President Tinubu said the administration has “delivered Renewed Hope to the satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory,” emphatically ending the historical trend of limiting Abuja’s development to the city center. For the first time, Kuje and Gwagwalada are being written into Abuja’s development blueprint, not as an afterthought, but as priority.
From death trap to modern corridor
The 7km dual carriageway, equipped with pedestrian walkways and solar-powered streetlights, has transformed a route that was “notorious for decades as a dangerous, unmotorable death trap” into a modern beacon of safety and economic opportunity. What was once feared is now a route residents can trust.
That story ends today”
“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and beyond lost time, goods and sometimes lives while plying this route. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students wasted hours in traffic. Farmers could not get produce to market on time. That story ends today,” President Tinubu stated. The road is more than asphalt — it’s relief.
More than a road: Security, commerce, dignity
“The 7km dual carriageway with solar-powered street lights, pedestrian walkways and proper drainage is more than a road. It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity. It is an economic corridor linking Abuja to three Area Councils and opening an exit route to southern Nigeria,” the President said. It connects people to markets, schools, and hospitals.
Unlocking agricultural and residential potential
With the road completed, the administration has unlocked the agricultural potential of the area, opened new residential layouts, and made it safe for mothers, students, and workers to move at any hour. Kuje, one of the FCT’s major agricultural hubs, can now move produce faster and with less loss.
Wike executes the presidential mandate
Tinubu extended praise to Barr. Nyesom Wike, recalling the explicit charge given at his appointment: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just affluent areas like Maitama and Asokoro. The Kuje-Gwagwalada road shows that mandate is being carried out with urgency and focus.
Renewed Hope at the grassroots
The President lauded Wike for taking Renewed Hope straight to the grassroots — from judicial quarters in Katampe to rural communities in Kuje and Gwagwalada. “Development under this administration will never be selective,” Tinubu affirmed, positioning Wike as the driver of inclusive growth.
“We see you, we value you”
Addressing residents directly, Tinubu reassured them that his government sees and values them. “Every area council and community counts and will continue to receive critical roads, water, schools, and hospitals.” The message: satellite towns are no longer invisible.
Citizens must protect what’s theirs
While celebrating the milestone, the President urged beneficiaries to take ownership and protect the road. He warned against building on the median or vandalizing solar streetlights. Infrastructure lasts only when communities guard it.
Hard reforms, stronger future
Acknowledging economic hardship, Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their resilience. He said the tough reforms today are laying the foundation for a stronger tomorrow. “Under my watch, no community will be left behind as we build the nation of our dreams.”
Wike listened before he built
FCT Minister Wike revealed that upon taking office, he toured all six Area Councils to hear directly from stakeholders. The traditional ruler of Kuje linked insecurity to broken roads that blocked security agencies from pursuing criminals. That plea became action.
From plea to pavement
The FCTA responded decisively. First, they completed the road from Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat and the Airport Road to Kuje Highway. Then Wike presented the Kuje-Gwagwalada road to FEC, where President Tinubu promptly approved it for Gilmor Nigeria Limited. Listening turned into delivery.
Phase 2 coming by December
Wike expressed delight that Gilmor delivered a high-quality road on time and announced that Phase 2 is already on track for completion by December 2026. When done, commuters will travel seamlessly between Gwagwalada and Kuje without relying on the busy federal highway.
Renewed Hope in action
FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud called the project a clear testament to Renewed Hope in action. She said it has connected communities, boosted economic growth, and given wider opportunity to the people of Kuje, Gwagwalada, and the entire FCT.
Engineering for the future
Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator of STDD, explained that Phase 1 covers 7km from Chibiri to Kiyi in Kuje. Phase 2 is a 12km stretch from Kiyi to Gwagwalada. Scope includes ground preparation, durable paving, flood-control drainage, a major bridge, roadside reinforcements, and modern lighting for night safety.
Partnership that delivers
Managing Director of Gilmor Engineering, Mr. Eli Goldhar, thanked Wike for timely funding and security support that enabled on-schedule execution. He reiterated the company’s commitment to partnering with government to bring needed infrastructure to Nigerians. With Wike at the helm, satellite towns are no longer left behind; they’re leading the way.
Abuja is no longer two cities. Under Barr. Nyesom Wike, the city center and satellite towns are rising together. Renewed Hope is now a road you can drive on.
