Pay Taxes To Get More Projects, Tinubu Tells Abuja Residents

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay their taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges to enable the government sustain infrastructure development across Abuja.

Tinubu made the call during the commissioning of the completed Arterial Road N5, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the provision of critical infrastructure could only be sustained through cooperation between government and citizens.

He said residents benefiting from ongoing transformation in the FCT must also fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and other statutory fees.

“To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” Tinubu said.

The President described the newly completed road as a major economic corridor that would ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and stimulate investment opportunities within the nation’s capital.

He recalled that the Gwarinpa I District section of the road was commissioned in June 2025, noting that his administration had fulfilled its promise to complete the remaining portion of the project.

“On that day, we made a pledge to you. We promised not to leave this vital artery half-done. Because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects; it is about delivery from start to finish.

“And so today, we are back. We are back to close the circle. We are back to commission the Dape District Section of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III,” he stated.

Tinubu said the road project was conceived, funded and completed under his administration after it was awarded to Julius Berger Plc with a strict 15-month timeline following its flag-off in October 2024.

According to him, the era of abandoned and endlessly delayed public infrastructure projects had ended.

“We conceived it, we funded it, and we delivered it. In the past, projects like this became permanent budget lines, ten to fifteen years of excuses. Not under this administration,” he declared.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as the administration’s “Engine of Execution” for driving infrastructure delivery in Abuja.

He also praised construction giant Julius Berger for delivering quality work within schedule.

“Minister Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” Tinubu added.

He noted that the completion of the N5 corridor would significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity among Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora districts.

Tinubu further stated that the road would provide direct access to the Idu Industrial District, lower logistics costs for businesses, attract investments and create jobs.

“Beyond that, this road opens a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District. That means lower logistics costs for businesses, new investment, and more jobs for our people,” he said.

The President also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance of drainage systems and streetlights.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Wike, said the event marked the second day of a 31-day project inauguration programme organised to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

Wike said infrastructure delivery in the FCT had expanded significantly under the current administration.

“On June 24, 2024, when we had the first-year anniversary of Mr. President, we took nine days of commissioning of projects. In the second year anniversary, we took 19 days. To the glory of God, in this third year, we are touching 31 days of commissioning of projects,” he said.

The minister credited Tinubu for providing the political backing needed to transform Abuja and its satellite towns through visible infrastructure projects.

“For the first time, development has been taken to the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. This is unprecedented. Before this period, satellite towns did not know what they call government. Today, they can feel the impact and presence of government,” Wike stated.

He commended Julius Berger for completing both sections of the road project within record time, disclosing that the Gwarinpa section was delivered within seven months.

Wike also defended the FCT Administration’s handling of compensation issues arising from the road construction, insisting that all affected property owners were adequately compensated.

“We paid. If you are saying that because you are from that place and development has passed and government did not dash you money, we don’t dash money when we are carrying out development,” he said.

The minister dismissed protests by some individuals during the event, insisting that the administration’s numerous infrastructure projects across the territory reflected its commitment to governance and development.

In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the road project as another milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflected Tinubu’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents.

Mahmoud also praised Wike for what she described as purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Abuja through critical infrastructure delivery.

She expressed confidence that the newly commissioned road would improve transportation, boost commercial activities and support sustainable urban development across the Federal Capital Territory.