Tinubu inaugurates Abuja airport bypass, pledges communities will not bear its costs.

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu commissioned a 7‑kilometre access road that bypasses the second runway of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, stating that no Nigerian community should bear the cost of national development without compensation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio represented the President at the event. Tinubu explained that the project, which stretches from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement and features a four‑span bridge, aims to remedy years of neglect experienced by communities that ceded ancestral land for the airport’s second runway yet received no essential road infrastructure.

“Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for airplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” Tinubu said.

“Let me state this clearly; no citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: ‘Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.’ We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” he added.

The President described the road as an “economic artery” that would provide an alternative route around the airport’s second runway, ease congestion along Bill Clinton Drive, strengthen security around critical aviation infrastructure and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.

On the four‑span bridge constructed along the route, Tinubu said it would guarantee uninterrupted movement of people and goods in all seasons.

“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works,” he said.

The President singled out Wike for praise, describing him as a model of project delivery.

“Wike, you are ‘Mr. Project’, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately. Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but defended the reform agenda of his administration, saying the difficult decisions taken three years ago were necessary investments in the country’s future.

“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices. Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow. We are not building for headlines. We are building for generations to come. We will keep working day and night until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance,” he stated.

Earlier, Wike said the commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the seventh day of a 31‑day programme of project unveilings across the territory.

Wike commended the Tungan Madaki community for their restraint and cooperation during the land acquisition process, describing them as a model for other host communities across the country.

“I must commend this community as a strong example for others to learn from. They