Wike Flags Off Major Expressway, Hails Tinubu’s Economic Reforms for Empowering States
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration will soon relocate the Apo traders to a new, purpose-built market at Wasa District, in line with its commitment to urban renewal and decongestion. Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, announced this on Wednesday while flagging off the construction of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to Ring Road II Junction.
Wike said the relocation plan reflects the Administration’s resolve to deliver tangible benefits under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “We have received the cost of providing infrastructure in the new site, and we will ensure that the relocation of Apo traders is properly executed,” he said. “Every promise made by this administration under Mr. President will be fulfilled.”
He praised President Tinubu’s decision to end fuel subsidies, describing it as a turning point that has stabilized public finances. “Today, no state is running to banks again,” he said. “Every state now has funds not only to pay salaries but also to embark on meaningful projects. That is the result of visionary leadership.”
The FCT Minister also mocked his former critics who once accused him of aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while still in opposition, noting that many of them had now joined the party. “If it’s true I worked for the APC, then they should thank me for where they are today,” he quipped.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the newly flagged-off OSEX section covers two main carriageways between Ring Road I and Ring Road II, forming part of the 67-kilometre expressway that links Asokoro to Gwagwalada. The project, awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), is expected to create about 1,000 jobs and ease traffic congestion across Garki, Apo, and Lokogoma Districts within one year.
