FCTA Flags Off 7km Rd Linking Tunga Madaki Settlement To 2nd Runway

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has flagged off the construction of a seven-kilometer access road with four-span bridges linking the Tunga Madaki settlement to the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony today, said the project was a direct response to the long-standing demands of the nine communities that make up the Tunga Madaki settlement.

He stressed that it would be unfair for residents to release their land for the development of a second runway without having access to roads leading to the airport.

“Of course, you know that because aviation also has to do with security, I had to take this matter to Mr. President, and Mr. President said, whatever the settlement asked for, give it to them,” Wike stated.

The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a fulfillment of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured the communities that the road, which includes four-span bridges, would be completed and commissioned during the President’s third anniversary in office.

According to him, the project is not only about roads but also about restoring dignity to communities that have been neglected for several years.

“For the first time, you have come to a government and the government said, what you are looking for, the only request you have made, which is a reasonable request, we must attend to you. Today, we are attending to you. What does it show? It shows that the government of Mr. President is a listening government, a government that cares for the people, and one that fulfills its promises,” Wike declared.

He praised the Abuja Municipal Area Council Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for persistently reminding the FCTA of the people’s request during the compensation exercise for the second runway project.

On her part, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the road project would provide an alternative access route that bypasses the airport’s second runway, significantly easing traffic along Bill Clinton Drive.

She added that the project would also enhance security, improve convenience for airport users, and open up Tunga Madaki and adjoining settlements to greater socio-economic opportunities.

“More importantly, the inclusion of a 4-span bridge demonstrates the administration’s determination to ensure resilience and durability in our infrastructure, while also guaranteeing seamless connectivity for motorists and residents,” Mahmoud stated.

She applauded President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said continues to manifest in tangible projects across the FCT, and commended Wike for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development

The Managing Director of CCECC promised to deliver the road on schedule.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji