Officials at the project launch site, emphasizing infrastructure development to boost Nigeria's international sports ambitions.
By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the construction of Arterial Road S1 in Kaura District, says the project is central to Nigeria’s bid to host the next Commonwealth Games.
The road project, which is expected to be completed soon, is part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to provide a world-class infrastructure that will showcase Abuja’s readiness to host the international sporting event.
Speaking at the flagg off ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike explained that a robust road network is part of the requirements for hosting major international sporting events, adding that the new link road would demonstrate Abuja’s capacity to welcome the world.
“Nigeria is bidding to host the next 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 a leeway to be given the hosting right of the Commonwealth Games. So all these linkages, all these network of roads, is also geared to showcase to the world that we have a city that can host the next Commonwealth of Games”, he said.
The minister noted that beyond supporting Nigeria’s sporting ambitions, the road will boost emergency response in the city, particularly for the Fire Service, which has often struggled with delayed access due to poor road networks.
“Again the road will help the Fire Service Station in case of emergencies.We have always talked about fire incidents and the response is not usually timely. But we don’t ask ourselves, it’s not only the fact that maybe they may be lacking some basic amenities, but also they don’t have good network of roads that will enable them to move down and to see that that fire incident is solved.
The 2.1-kilometer project, to be handled by a firm already engaged on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, will include a three-span bridge to ease mobility and open up Kaura District.
Wike urged the contractors to prioritise employment of local youths during construction.
He also assured residents of ongoing efforts to ease transportation across the FCT, highlighting the dualization of the Kuje,Gwagwalada road and the Airport,Kuje Expressway, which he said would cut travel time to the city to just ten minutes.
Commending security agencies and local councils for their support, the minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu remains on track to transform Abuja into a globally competitive capital before the end of the administration’s first term.
“By the grace of God it is the hope of the Renewed Hope Agenda that before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will be a different place and it competes with other cities of the world”, Wike said.
Earlier in her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has continued to inspire projects that improve infrastructure, connectivity, and the overall living standards of residents in the nation’s capital city.
Mahmoud further noted that the project would enhance accessibility within Kaura District, making it easier for residents and businesses to connect with the city’s major road networks.
“It will also improve response time and operational efficiency of the FCT Fire Station located in the area, thereby strengthening public safety and disaster management.
“The project will also open up Kaura District further for socio-economic development, boosting property values, investment, and the quality of life for residents”, she said.
