Pay your taxes to enjoy more infrastructure, Tinubu urges Abuja residents at road commissioning

By Stanley Onyekwere

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored residents and business owners in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the continuous delivery of high-impact infrastructure depends on their willingness to fulfill their civic responsibilities through the prompt payment of taxes, land charges, and ground rents.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday, during the official commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), which stretches from the Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that sustainable infrastructure development must be driven by a robust, reciprocal partnership between the government and its citizens.
“Infrastructure development must be driven by a partnership between government and citizens,” the President stated, underscoring that tax compliance is the fuel required to maintain the current pace of transformation in the nation’s capital.
The newly completed road is a critical economic corridor designed to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and unlock major investment opportunities.
Recalling the commissioning of the Gwarinpa I District section of the road in June 2025, Tinubu noted that his administration has successfully honored its promise to finish the entire corridor without delays.
The project, awarded to Julius Berger Plc with a strict 15-month timeline after being flagged off in October 2024, was conceived, funded, and completed entirely under the current administration.
The President declared that the era of vital infrastructure projects lingering for decades is officially over.
He noted that in the past, projects became permanent budget lines with 10 to 15 years of excuses.
“We conceived it, we funded it, and we delivered it,” Tinubu asserted.

He lauded FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing him as the administration’s “Engine of Execution” for prioritizing results over political rhetoric.
The newly commissioned Arterial Road N5 is expected to significantly reduce travel times and create seamless transit across several major Abuja suburbs.
Beyond commuting ease, the President noted that the road provides a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District, which will systematically lower logistics costs for businesses, attract fresh investments, and generate employment.
To safeguard these massive investments, Tinubu charged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to vigorously protect public infrastructure from vandalism and ensure the proper maintenance of streetlights and drainage systems.
Speaking earlier at the event, FCT Minister revealed that Wednesday’s ceremony marked the second day of a massive 31-day project inauguration calendar organized to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
Wike highlighted the exponential growth of infrastructure delivery under his tenure -1st Anniversary (2024): 9 days of project commissionings, 2nd Anniversary (2025):19 days of project commissionings, and 3rd Anniversary (2026): 31 days of project commissionings.
He credited President Tinubu’s unwavering political backing for the infrastructural revolution, noting that for the first time, satellite towns are experiencing the direct impact of governance.
Addressing compensation grievances from the construction phase, Wike dismissed minor protests at the venue, clarifying that all legally affected property owners were duly compensated. He emphasized that the FCT Administration would not hand out unearned public funds under the guise of development.
In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the road as another milestone reflecting the administration’s dedication to sustainable urban growth, praising both Minister Wike’s purposeful leadership and the host communities for their cooperation throughout the 15-month construction period.