President Bola Tinubu has praised the completion of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) as a milestone demonstrating the power of unity and collaborative effort across political and personal divides. This statement was made on Monday during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for the expanded OSEX, extending from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 (RR1) in Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu highlighted the project’s significance for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its residents, emphasizing that the successful completion exemplifies what can be achieved when leaders work together for the nation’s common good.
“The completion of this project is not only a piece of engineering but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership. It is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal, transcending political divides and personal interests for the greater good of our nation,” President Tinubu stated.
He further noted that the expanded expressway, which includes four new interchanges, is a significant achievement of his Renewed Hope administration, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians. The project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, improve transportation, stimulate economic growth, and create new opportunities for prosperity within the FCT.
“I thank the Hon. Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and his team for quickening development and giving the residents of Abuja renewed hope,” said President Tinubu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transformative infrastructure projects.
The FCT Minister, Wike, also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for designating the week as FCT week and acknowledged the challenges the city has faced in the past. He recalled that the road project, initially awarded in 2013, remained incomplete for 11 years. However, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, it has been successfully completed.
“Mr. President said that every uncompleted project must be completed. Under the Treasury Single Account (TSA), it was very difficult for us to continue with this project, but because the President allowed us to pull out of the TSA, it became easy for us to access funds and pay the contractors who now have confidence in our ability to pay,” Wike explained.
The Minister also highlighted the essential collaboration between the government and the National Assembly leadership in bringing the project to fruition. He assured FCT residents that the government’s focus extends beyond road infrastructure to include rehabilitating the city’s schools, ensuring all educational facilities meet required standards.
“Why people have their hope back is that before now, they only heard about the government but didn’t see the impact of the government. In the Renewed Hope Agenda, they have seen that really, the government exists, and they can feel the pulse of the government,” Wike added.
President Tinubu concluded by urging all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the nation’s development, acknowledging that while significant progress has been made, many challenges still lie ahead. “There are still many challenges to overcome and many more opportunities to seize and explore. But with determination, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose, which is clearly evident in the FCT, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he said.
The official response from the Labour Party is awaited as this development marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey, setting a precedent for future collaborative efforts.