Tinubu commissions Abuja Arterial Road N5, hails Julius Berger’s engineering excellence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for delivering what he described as a world-class infrastructure project, following the completion and commissioning of the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Abuja.

The project, which covers the Dape District section from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, was inaugurated on behalf of the President by Vice President Kashim Shettima despite heavy rainfall at the event.

Tinubu commended Julius Berger for executing the road project with professionalism and speed, noting that the company handled the assignment with the seriousness required.

“I commend Julius Berger for matching speed with world-class engineering and for treating this assignment with the seriousness it deserves,” the President said.

According to him, infrastructure remains a major indicator of national development, stressing that no capital city can achieve its potential when burdened by abandoned projects and poor planning.

Tinubu said the Arterial Road N5 project was conceived, funded and completed by his administration, unlike several past projects that remained in government budgets for years without completion.

“We did not inherit this section from previous administrations. We conceived it, funded it and delivered it. It was awarded to Julius Berger with a strict 15-month deadline and completed in October 2024,” he stated.

The President said the Federal Government would continue working to transform the Federal Capital Territory into a modern and functional capital that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations.

He also applauded the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a leader who has brought accountability and urgency into project execution.

“Under him, excuses have lost their hiding place. He has shown what happens when political will meets accountability,” Tinubu said.

Speaking at the event, Wike praised Julius Berger for its commitment to delivering quality projects, saying the company does not take assignments lightly.

“Let me clearly thank the Managing Director of Julius Berger. It has not been easy. One company I know that does not joke when you give them an assignment is Julius Berger Nigeria Plc,” the minister said.

Wike recalled that he had earlier challenged the company’s management to ensure the project was ready for commissioning during President Tinubu’s anniversary celebration.

He said the company’s response reflected its commitment to meeting deadlines and fulfilling obligations.

“Perform your own obligation, leave the rest for us. I thank them that they fulfilled their promise and we also did our own part,” he added.

The FCT Minister also disclosed that the commissioning was the second day of a 31-day programme for inaugurating projects across Abuja this year.

He noted that the FCT had witnessed an increase in completed projects under the current administration, moving from nine days of commissioning during the first anniversary to 19 days during the second anniversary and now 31 days in the third year.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc said the company delivered a project that required extensive technical expertise and complex engineering solutions.