President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-focused development by prioritizing essential infrastructure and amenities to enhance the quality of life for Nigerian citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II, President Tinubu highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to rejig Nigeria’s financial system while ensuring that development remains centred on the populace.
“I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment,” President Tinubu stated.
“That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” he noted.
The President commended Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his leadership during challenging times and urged the people to support him.
“Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country.
“We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country,” Tinubu said.
He further emphasized the importance of collective effort and compensation over litigation in development projects.
“Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.
“Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” he added.
President Tinubu praised Gilmor Engineering Limited, the contractor handling the project, and reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development for public benefit, not personal gain.
On his part, Wike provided an overview of the project, noting that it was initially awarded in 2003 at a cost of N14 billion and was divided into Lots 1 and 2, awarded to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Limited, respectively.
“Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Wike said.
The Minister disclosed that the development, which includes 32 kilometres of road, had faced numerous litigations but continued progressing. He also noted that the project cost was revised to N18.17 billion shortly before the current administration took office.
Wike commended President Tinubu for not abandoning the project and for giving the FCT Ministry the freedom to work independently.
He also proposed naming major roads in Guzape District after literary giants Chinua Achebe and JP Clark and indicated that the district’s ‘diplomatic area’ would be completed within a year.
Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), provided a project overview, stating that Guzape District Lot II covers 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.
He said the entire district, encompassing both Lot 1 and Lot 2, spans 1,070 hectares and includes residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.
“The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” Ahmad said.
