Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has officially flagged off the construction of Arterial Road S1 with a three-span bridge from Ring Road II to the FCT Fire Service station in Kaura District, Abuja.

Speaking during the project flag-off ceremony in Abuja, Barrister Wike stated that the very crucial road will not only open up the Kaura District for development but will also enhance the operational capacity of the Fire Service Station within the area.

The Minister said, “It will help the fire service station in case of emergencies. By the time this road is constructed with a three-span bridge, of course, anywhere there is any fire incident and they are called upon, they will respond immediately. Again, this is also to contribute to their efficiency in their job delivery”.

Barr. Wike expressed confidence that the contractor, Infiouest Construction Company, which is currently undertaking the Abuja/Kaduna/Zaria Road, will deliver a good quality job and appealed to the company to also give opportunity to the youths to participate in the road construction.

The Minister, while noting that the ongoing provision of massive road networks across the FCT was anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed confidence that it will enhance Nigeria’s prospect of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

He said, “I understand that Nigeria is bidding to host the Commonwealth Games, and it will be difficult for us to achieve that if we don’t have a good network of roads. When the Committee comes and they see that the basic infrastructure is being provided, that gives us the leverage to be given the hosting rights of the Commonwealth Games.

“So, all these linkages, all these networks of roads are also geared to showcase to the world that we have a city that can host the Commonwealth Games”.

Stressing that the construction and rehabilitation of key roads in each of the six Area Councils was designed to extend development beyond the city centre, Barr. Wike reiterated that Abuja city will compete with some of the developed cities of the world by the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure.

"As I have said before, it is the hope of the Renewed Hope Agenda that before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will be a different place. Abuja will be competing with some other cities of the world", the Minister stated.

Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, while delivering the vote of thanks, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his leadership and vision in the provision of infrastructure that directly improves the lives of the people and thanked the FCT Minister for his consistent drive to transform Abuja into a modern, functional, and inclusive city.

Providing an overview of the road project, the Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said access roads being developed under the project included part of Arterial Road S1 to connect to the Ring Road II in collector Road CS2, as well as a minor access road that formed part of the Kaura District Development.

He said the scope of work includes the construction of 2.4km of asphalt-paved roads with the three-span bridge, surface water drainage, as well as erosion control measures, among other engineering services, adding that the road project, during its construction, will provide direct and indirect job opportunities.

Managing Director, Infiouest Construction Company, Mr Joseph Abujaoude, thanked the Minister for entrusting the company with the project and pledged the timely delivery of quality and sustainable infrastructure in line with global standards.