By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the Access Road bypassing the Abuja Airport second runway from Clinton Drive to Tunganmadaki settlement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking through Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said no Nigerian should become a victim of national development. He made the declaration during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, where he also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure while protecting affected communities.
Tinubu Assures Communities of Inclusive Development
Tinubu said the road project fulfilled a promise made to the Tunganmadaki community after residents surrendered their ancestral land for the construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the president, the community made a major sacrifice for the country’s progress. However, the residents lacked a motorable road despite giving up their land.
“They sacrificed for the collective good of the nation. Yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that development should never come at the expense of citizens.
“Let me state clearly: No citizen should be made a victim of national development,” he said.
He explained that after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike raised the issue, he directed that the community’s requests should be fully addressed.
“We do not just take. We build, replace and elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms
The president acknowledged that his administration’s economic reforms have created temporary hardship. Nevertheless, he insisted they remain necessary for Nigeria’s future.
“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices, but they were necessary choices,” he said.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda despite the rising cost of living.
“I know the cost of living is biting. However, this government means well for all Nigerians. We are building for generations to come,” he said.
He assured citizens that the administration would continue working until every Nigerian benefits from good governance.
Wike Praises Tunganmadaki Community
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended the Tunganmadaki community for choosing development over financial compensation.
According to him, the residents requested employment opportunities and access roads instead of demanding cash before the airport project proceeded.
Wike said the Tinubu administration fulfilled those requests by providing jobs and constructing the new road.
He added that the projects restored the community’s confidence in government.
“This community had lost hope in government. Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda has restored that hope,” Wike said.
Road Project Reflects Renewed Hope Agenda
The newly commissioned access road is expected to improve transportation for residents around Tunganmadaki while supporting activities around the Abuja airport corridor.
The Tinubu administration says the project demonstrates its commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits communities directly affected by national development projects.
