President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the five-kilometer Southern Parkway on Tuesday, 13 years after the project was awarded.
The road starts from the National Christian Centre and connects through Area 3 to Ring Road 1 by Durumi junction.
At the official inauguration of the expressway, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the administration of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, towards transforming Abuja into a world-class city.
The president appreciated Wike for ensuring the completion of the road within the short time he had been in office.
“I will not say that I am surprised. Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr. Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared value. Well done; as a team leader, you work so hard, and tirelessly,” the president said.
“I must recognize your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people.
“The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – are yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians, thank you very much.”
Speaking earlier, the FCT minister said the landmark project, the first among nine scheduled for commissioning by Mr. President in the coming days, represents a significant milestone in the current administration's efforts to enhance the standard of infrastructure across the territory.
He explained that the contract, awarded in 2010 for N16.2 billion, was later revised to N35.76 billion in March 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies, and gentlemen, the Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan,” Wike said.
“The other principal artery is the Northern Parkway which has been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern districts.”
The Southern Parkway comprises the construction of 5.4km of road, made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making 12 lanes.
It includes four interchanges (eight bridges) and underground engineering infrastructure facilities.
