President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive infrastructural development, promising that ongoing and future projects would be evenly distributed across the country, with particular attention to rural communities.
The President made the pledge while commissioning the newly completed 15-kilometre A2–Pai Town Road in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a project he described as both symbolic and strategic.
“This administration will continue to prioritize infrastructure in all zones. We will ensure that development is not lopsided, but balanced, inclusive, and targeted at lifting lives,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that infrastructure must not only be built but should also serve the direct interests of Nigerians by improving living conditions and unlocking opportunities.
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“The road, the infrastructure development, means nothing if you don’t develop it to the benefit of our people. Indeed, this progress will continue to elevate our lives,” he added.
The A2–Pai Town Road connects the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway to Pai, a rural settlement in Kwali. According to Tinubu, the road project represents a vital corridor that will drive economic activities, especially in agriculture, education, and local commerce.
“The commissioning of this newly constructed road… is both symbolic and strategic. It opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, and mobility, all necessary to strengthen our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.
While acknowledging years of neglect faced by many rural communities like Pai, the President emphasized his administration’s resolve to change the narrative.
“Rural communities such as Pai make important contributions to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises, but their potential has been hindered by poor road access, isolation and neglect for far too long. Today, that narrative is changing,” Tinubu declared.
Commending the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for prioritizing infrastructure in underserved areas, Tinubu urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining the newly built road and protecting it as a shared asset.
“You are doing commendable work in the underserved rural areas. Let this road serve as a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for farmers, traders, students, and youth,” the President said.
During his remarks, Tinubu also addressed the long-standing tension between farmers and livestock herders, proposing cooperation instead of conflict.
“On my way, I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish the opportunity for grazing and do what is necessary,” he noted.
Assuring the Pai community of the federal government’s support in promoting peaceful and productive coexistence, he added, “We will help you, we will work with you. We will convert what used to be a liability and a source of conflict into a means of prosperity.”
Earlier in the day, Tinubu had flagged off a mechanised farming programme in Sheda, FCT, which involves the deployment of 2,000 tractors. He explained that the new road project complements such initiatives by improving access to markets and reducing rural isolation.
Speaking at the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the road was one of several completed under the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed deep appreciation to Tinubu for taking the time to witness firsthand the joy of rural dwellers benefiting from improved infrastructure.
“Today, of all the commissions, this, for me, I consider very, very important,” Wike said.
“I recall that when I came to see you, I said, Mr. President, it would be very, very fine if you can make out time to visit one, at least, of the rural roads and see the people how joyous they will be. I’m sure if you look directly opposite you, you will see that the people are very, very, very happy.”
He narrated the backstory of the A2–Pai project, explaining how logistical constraints previously hindered access to Pai, especially from Gomani, a nearby community.
“From Gomani to Yangoji is another 13 kilometers, which we have told the managing director of this company to make sure he starts work on. At the end of the day, at only this stretch, you would have done about 45 kilometers of roads in this area,” Wike explained.
He listed other rural road projects commissioned by the administration, including, the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada.
In addition, the 10-kilometre Aguma Palace–Radio–New Market Road in Gwagwalada.
Also, the dualised 18-kilometre Nyanya–Karshi Road, the 7.4 kilometres of Old Ushafa Road, and the rehabilitation of the Lower Usuma Dam.
According to the Minister, these roads, whether completed or still under construction, total at least 150 kilometres across the FCT’s satellite towns since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
“If you came here before, you would have wondered, assuming there is crime, how will police enter here? How will security men enter here? It will not be possible,” Wike remarked.
He added that the successful delivery of these projects is a direct result of Tinubu’s leadership and support.
“When you have given somebody an appointment and you give him that support to actualize his job, there’s always happiness. And for us, we are very, very happy. The people too are happy. When the people are happy, you will be happy,” he said.
Wike concluded by saying that the day’s event would remain memorable, not only for the community but also for President Tinubu, who witnessed firsthand the renewed hope taking root at the grassroots.
“As you are leaving today, you will be very, very happy. Even when you get to the villa, you will be very, very happy,” he said.
