President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction in Abuja, declaring that the era of abandoned public projects has ended.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President said the completion of the strategic road project underscored his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth, easing transportation and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start, and even finish the ones we did not start,” Tinubu said at the inauguration ceremony.
Describing infrastructure as the backbone of economic development, the President said the newly completed road would unlock new opportunities for businesses and residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, if you want to create jobs, if you want to make life easier for the market woman, the corporate worker and the industrialist, you build roads,” he stated.
Tinubu noted that his administration had steadily advanced the OSEX project, beginning with the commissioning of the first phase from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction in 2024 and the inauguration of the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025.
According to him, the completion of the main carriageway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II represents another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Abuja.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as focused and result-oriented leadership.
“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership. I want to commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his entire team for their commitment and dogged determination in reshaping the FCT for long-term prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Wike directly, Tinubu added: “You have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda delivering quality results for the Nigerian people on time.”
He said the road would reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs and expand Abuja’s economic footprint by improving connectivity between Apo and Wasa districts.
Earlier, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to the determination of the administration and the commitment of the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver within the agreed timeline.
The minister disclosed that when the contract was awarded in late 2025, he had sought assurances from the contractor that the project could be completed in time for President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“I asked them a simple question: can you deliver this project? I told them I wanted it ready for Mr. President’s third anniversary. They said yes. I asked again because I was not comfortable considering the scope of the work, the dual carriageway, culverts and bridges. They assured me they would deliver, and today they have kept their promise,” Wike said.
He revealed that he personally inspected the project site more than ten times to monitor progress and ensure compliance with agreed timelines.
“This means that nothing is impossible if we are determined and committed to achieving results.”
