Wike Begins Kaura Arterial Road Ahead Of Commonwealth Games

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, commenced the construction of Arterial Road S1 in Kaura District.

Wike described the project as critical to Abuja’s infrastructure development and Nigeria’s bid to host the next Commonwealth Games.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wike stressed that road networks remain a vital factor in winning international hosting rights.

“Nigeria is bidding to host the next Commonwealth Games, and it will be difficult for us to achieve that if we don’t have a good network of roads. When the committee comes and they see that basic infrastructure is being provided, it gives us a leeway to be given the hosting right,” he said.

The minister explained that beyond global visibility, the road would address pressing needs, particularly in emergency response.

“We have always talked about fire incidents and the response not being timely. It’s not just about amenities — if there are no good roads, the Fire Service cannot get there quickly. With this road and its three-span bridge, the Fire Service station here will be able to respond immediately to emergencies,” Wike said.

The 2.2-kilometer road, awarded to the same company currently handling the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, is expected to open up the Kaura District significantly. Wike appealed to the contractors to involve residents in the project.

“I want to plead with the company to give residents the opportunity to participate by employing our teeming youth who are willing to work,” he added.

The minister also commended the area councils and security agencies for their support, noting that ongoing and future projects would deliver widespread benefits across the FCT.

“The greatest beneficiaries of what we are doing are the area councils—Kuje, AMAC, Gwagwalada, and Bwari. Abaji may not have benefited much yet, but theirs will be better. He who takes last takes the best,” Wike remarked.

He further assured residents of Kuje of improved connectivity once the Airport-Kuje Expressway and the dualization of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road are completed.

“By the grace of God, people living in Kuje won’t need to come and stay in the city. They can drive just 10 minutes from Kuje to the city. That will open up the entire council areas,” he said, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would transform Abuja into a city comparable with global capitals before the end of the president’s first term.

In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted the project’s broader impact on residents and businesses.

Mahmoud said, “The Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire projects that improve infrastructure, connectivity, and living standards. This road will enhance accessibility within Kaura District, improve response time for the Fire Service, and open up the area for socio-economic development, boosting property values and investment.”

The Arterial Road S1 project is one of several ongoing infrastructure initiatives aimed at expanding Abuja’s urban landscape, improving safety, and positioning the city as a viable hub for global events.