Tinubu commissions Abuja airport bypass vows no community will pay price of Devt

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned a 7-kilometre access road bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, declaring that no Nigerian community should be made to bear the cost of national development without recompense.

Represented at the ceremony by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the President said the project — which runs from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement and includes a four-span bridge — was designed to correct years of neglect suffered by communities that gave up their ancestral lands for the construction of the airport’s second runway but were left without basic road infrastructure.

“Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for airplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” Tinubu said.

“Let me state this clearly; no citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: ‘Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.’ We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” he added.

The President described the road as an “economic artery” that would provide an alternative route around the airport’s second runway, ease congestion along Bill Clinton Drive, strengthen security around critical aviation infrastructure and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.

On the four-span bridge constructed along the route, Tinubu said it would guarantee uninterrupted movement of people and goods in all seasons.

“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works,” he said.

The President singled out Wike for praise, describing him as a model of project delivery.

“Wike, you are ‘Mr. Project’, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately. Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but defended the reform agenda of his administration, saying the difficult decisions taken three years ago were necessary investments in the country’s future.

“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices. Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow. We are not building for headlines. We are building for generations to come. We will keep working day and night until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance,” he stated.

Earlier, Wike, said the commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the seventh day of a 31-day programme of project unveilings across the territory.

Wike commended the Tungan Madaki community for their restraint and cooperation during the land acquisition process, describing them as a model for other host communities across the country.

“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. 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 said.

Wike disclosed that government had already fulfilled the employment component of that agreement and was now delivering on the road infrastructure. He also revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority had directed the contractor to extend the road further to Zuba to maximise its economic impact.

The minister warned land grabbers against encroaching on the road corridor, saying the infrastructure was meant to serve host communities and support future development.

The 7-kilometre road now links communities across the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council, while also improving access for residents travelling to the airport from Zuba and neighbouring settlements.

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