The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with Julius Berger Plc, has officially flagged off the full-scope development of the Northern Parkway, also known as N8/N9, a massive 10-lane dual carriageway that will transform mobility within the city.
The project, awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March, spans from Ring Road 2 to Ring Road 3 and is expected to be completed within 30 months. It features two river bridges, a full cloverleaf interchange at Ring Road 2, service lanes on both sides, advanced drainage systems, street lighting, telecommunications ducts, and other world-class facilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as a vital piece of infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize Abuja into a world-class city. He emphasized that the project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while easing the heavy traffic congestion around districts such as Kado, Jabi, Gwarimpa, and Dape.
Wike commended Julius Berger’s capacity to deliver but questioned the high costs:
“Their capacity is humongous, but so also their pay is humongous,” he quipped, while urging the contractor to expedite work so that the project is completed before the 30-month timeline.
He also tied the project to Tinubu’s broader development philosophy:
“Without road infrastructure, it will be difficult for Abuja to be compared as a world-class city. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are changing the narrative to make Abuja compete with other cities of the world.”
The Minister further used the occasion to defend the government’s record on job creation through infrastructure projects, insisting that Nigerians must recognize the indirect opportunities generated by construction activities.
On politics, Wike urged residents to judge leaders based on performance and delivery rather than sentiments:
“Don’t vote for someone because he is a man or a woman. Vote for someone who can deliver. Operation show your report card is coming.”
With construction works already underway, the Northern Parkway is expected to enhance security, accelerate urban development, and significantly reduce travel time within Nigeria’s capital city
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