President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stating that ongoing infrastructure projects are aimed at rebuilding public trust and restoring confidence in government.

The President made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly completed interchange at the intersection of Arterial Road N16 and Ring Road II, linking Jahi District to Gwarinpa District in Abuja.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said the project reflects the progress being made under the Renewed Hope Agenda and marks another step toward improving mobility and economic activity within the nation’s capital.

“Abuja is changing. One interchange at a time, one road at a time, we are rebuilding trust and restoring hope. Together, we will build a country where every citizen can move freely, live safely and prosper,” he said.

The President noted that the intersection had long been a major traffic bottleneck, causing delays, fuel wastage and disruptions to business activities across key districts of the FCT.

According to him, the newly completed interchange will ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity between districts and boost economic activities by enhancing the movement of people and goods.

Tinubu described infrastructure as the foundation of national prosperity, stressing that improved road networks create opportunities and unlock economic growth.

Commending the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the President said the visible transformation across Abuja is evidence of effective leadership and commitment to development.

“From roads to bridges, from the city centre to satellite towns, the minister is bringing renewed hope to residents of the FCT. Nigerians can see the impact and residents feel it in their daily lives,” he added.

In his remarks, Wike praised Tinubu for ensuring continuity in governance by providing funds for the project despite the fact that it was awarded shortly before the current administration came into office.

He noted that the government’s commitment to completing inherited projects distinguishes it from previous administrations and demonstrates a genuine focus on development.

Responding to criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the administration is concentrating solely on roads while citizens face economic hardship, Wike described the claim as misleading.

He pointed out that the Federal Government recently inaugurated the Karu Water Supply Network and is set to commission another water project in Bwari in July, stressing that the administration is investing in multiple sectors beyond road infrastructure.

“We are not only constructing roads. We are also delivering critical water and other infrastructure projects that directly impact the lives of residents,” he said.

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the interchange would significantly reduce travel time, improve access to commercial centres and support the growing needs of Abuja’s expanding population.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, explained that the project forms part of the broader development of Arterial Road N16 from Ring Road II to Ring Road III.

He disclosed that while previous phases of the road project have been completed and inaugurated, work is continuing on other sections, with the remaining 7.25-kilometre stretch expected to be completed in due course.