Karu township roads: Our interventions injecting life into local economy – Tinubu

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By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu has declared that the ongoing construction of road infrastructure across satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory FCT is designed to inject life into the local economy.

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Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly rehabilitated and expanded Karu township roads.

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According to him, the projects represent his administration’s commitment to reaching Nigerians where they actually live, work and commute.

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The president, who described the development as a direct product of his Renewed Hope Agenda, said the Karu township roads stand as a clear testament to his administration’s promise to resolve urban congestion and uplift the living standards of FCT residents.

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“When we took office three years ago, we recognised that true development must reach where the people actually live, work and commute. For years, the Karu corridor, serving as a critical gateway between the FCT and neighbouring states, suffered from severe traffic congestion that drained the productivity and energy of residents. By expanding and rehabilitating these roads, we are not just laying asphalt; we are injecting life back into the local economy,” he said.

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Tinubu said the completed road project had dramatically cut down daily travel times, eliminated frustrating gridlocks, and ensured that businesses in the densely populated area could thrive under the right conditions.

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He paid tribute to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying the rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without the minister’s intervention.

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“The rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without the dogged, relentless and focused supervision of Wike. His aggressive implementation of our urban renewal master plan is visible for everyone to see. I sincerely commend the minister and his team. By prioritising high-density, strategic satellite roads like Karu alongside the city centre, the FCT Administration is validating our governance philosophy: that the wealth of this territory must yield practical everyday comfort for all socio-economic classes,” the president said.

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Wike, in his remarks, noted that the entire landscape in Karu had changed and urged residents to appreciate government efforts to better their lives.

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“It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. It doesn’t matter the association you belong to; when you see a good thing, say, ‘This is a good thing.’ Whether anybody hates you or not, he cannot hate this road. Opposition people use this road; those in government use this road; and those who say they are not politicians also use this road,” he said.

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The minister also praised the local contractor, saying the company had demonstrated that Nigerian firms had come of age.

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“For this local contractor, I have seen that whether the money is there to pay him or not, he will never abandon the site. He will continue to work and say, ‘Mr Minister, I believe in this government of Bola Tinubu’s.’ I will do everything, and I know at the end of the day, I will be paid.’ Mr President, it is rare these days to find people who will commit their money and carry out this kind of assignment,” Wike said.

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Earlier, the coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the road, awarded in August 2025, connects Karu Interchange along the Abuja-Keffi Motorway to Customs Clinic Junction. Other roads covered by the project include the DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road, all within Karu town.

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Zulkiflu said the successful completion of the project would significantly improve accessibility, ensure a smooth flow of traffic and an effective drainage system, and enhance the security of lives and properties within the area.

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