President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to building a nation all Nigerians can be proud of, with a continued focus on infrastructure development as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), Tinubu emphasised the significance of this project as a symbol of his administration’s broader goals.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway from the Outer Southern Expressway to the Southern Parkway, also known as the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway, as more than just a road project. It marks the sixth project inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to celebrate the first anniversary of his administration.
“The extension of the ISEX represents more than just a road,” Tinubu stated. “It symbolises connectivity, accessibility, and opportunity. It signifies our unwavering determination to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that development reaches every corner of our great nation.”
He continued, “In the coming months and years, we will continue to prioritise infrastructural development as a cornerstone of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We remain committed to delivering on our promises, empowering our people, and building a nation that we can all be proud of.”
The President assured that more strategic projects are in the pipeline, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of FCT residents and laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Vice President Shettima praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his team for their dedication, describing Wike as “one of the best appointments ever made in the history of the current democratic dispensation in this country.”
Minister Wike detailed other projects completed in the first year of Tinubu’s administration, including the first phase of the National Assembly’s rehabilitation, the Federal Secretariat’s rehabilitation, and the resurfacing of interconnecting roads across the FCT, totalling 170km.
The ISEX project, initially awarded in January 2010 at a cost of N17bn, was revised to N18bn in 2023. The second phase, awarded by the previous administration to Messrs CGC Construction Limited for N91bn, will feature no fewer than ten bridges.
Wike’s remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, thus fostering greater connectivity and development across Nigeria.
