- says infrastructure investments will improve the quality of life in Nigeria.
The Southern Parkway project, which connects important regions of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was officially opened by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja.
In order to facilitate access and connectivity to the southern development flank of the capital city, one of the main thoroughfares designed as a freeway is the Southern Parkway.
The Northern Parkway is the other main thoroughfare; it has been extensively expanded over time to serve the Northern District.
The project was awarded in 2010 but was not completed until the intervention of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During the project’s inauguration, President Bola Tinubu declared that his administration would continue to invest in vital areas to raise citizen welfare. He characterized infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.
The President highlighted the recent improvements in the city’s infrastructure and praised Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his bravery and work.
We’re here today to commemorate a critical turning point in our country’s advancement and development.
It is a great pleasure and a pleasant challenge that we have a great deal of responsibility on our shoulders as we celebrate our first year in office.
“I recognize that the Southern Parkway is a metaphor for our shared desire for advancement, accessibility, ease of living, and connectivity, in addition to serving as a physical conduit linking important locations within the Federal Capital.
This road will improve mobility for residents and visitors to the FCT while also relieving traffic congestion by offering smooth and effective transportation corridor
“As we work to create a world-class capital city, the completion of the southern parkway highlights our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
We acknowledge that the creation of infrastructure stimulates economic growth and prosperity by creating jobs.
We are confident that we will accomplish everything we have set out to do.
“The needs of our citizens come first in all that we think and do.We think Nigeria will succeed if we make its people the center of our development.
“Mister Nyesom Wike, the attorney, projects. I appreciate your genuine dedication to our common beliefs and the hope you have given us. Excellent work. You have put in a lot of effort as the team leader. I have to acknowledge your vision, which many of our people find inspiring and revolutionary. Many Nigerians now have greater faith in you as a result of the structural and administrative improvements you have made to the Federal Capital Territory, “the President stated.
Explaining the significant features of the project, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory said the road consists of 12 lanes in total.
“Your Excellency, to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway on par with the Northern Parkway, this project, which was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of N16.2 billion, was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices. But this was done before this administration came in.
“The scope of work is made up of two main carriage ways of four lanes each and two service carriage ways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes. It also includes the construction of four interchanges, a total of eight bridges, in addition to the position of associated underground engineering facilities.
“I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” the Minister said.
Mr. Wike said the completion of the project will enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, reducing delays and travel time, while accelerating the development of the southern axis of the city, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and other Nigerians.
“Your Excellency, on assumption of office with my Honourable Minister of State in August 2023, we were confronted with many uncompleted projects that have gone on for several years. However, the coming of the current administration and Mr. President’s unflinching support have indeed led to the completion of this project, among others now ready for commissioning. The Federal Capital Territory Administration and FCT residents appreciate Mr. President’s support and laudable achievements. It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolves that this very important road be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way,” the Minister stated.
Giving further details, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Ahmad, explained that the Parkway System forms an integral part of the network of roads in the transportation masterplan of the Federal Capital City.
“It dissects the two development corridors and is planned to function as a freeway to optimize vehicular movement between the developed sectors and the Central Area. Within the Central Area, the Parkway System encloses the cultural axis. In the Northern Development Corridor, it is known as the Northern Parkway (A9). It begins in the city centre around the Inner Northern Expressway, near the National Mosque and the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre intersection.
For those who are familiar with Abuja, it ends at the Outer Northern Expressway Junction, close to the Dei Dei neighborhood, after passing through Phases 1 through 4 in the city’s north. It is 25 kilometers long in total.
The Parkway System begins in the City Center at the Inner Southern Expressway’s intersection in the Southern Development Corridor.
It travels over 27 kilometers in total, passing through Phases 1 through 4 of the city’s south until coming to a conclusion at the Inner Southern expressway close to Kuje, which is situated in Phase 4.
