Federal Government Flags Off Completed Outer Southern Expressway Segment Linking Key FCT Districts in Major Mobility and Urban Expansion Drive
By A1NEWS International Infrastructure Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — June 10, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the completed main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja, marking a major milestone in the Federal Capital Territory’s ongoing road expansion and urban mobility reform programme.
The commissioning, held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, saw the President represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who described the project as a key delivery under the administration’s “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda.
The newly completed section stretches from the Ring Road I Junction along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway to the Ring Road II corridor, connecting rapidly expanding districts such as Lokogoma and Galadimawa.
“No More Abandoned Projects” — Tinubu Declares Infrastructure Policy Shift
In a statement delivered at the commissioning, President Tinubu declared that his administration has ended the long-standing culture of uncompleted and abandoned public infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
He described the OSEX project as a physical demonstration of the government’s commitment to delivering measurable development outcomes.
“When we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on,” the President said.
“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is gone. We finish what we start.”
Tinubu added that the completed carriageways would ease congestion in Abuja, reduce travel delays, and improve productivity by cutting lost man-hours and fuel consumption.
Wike’s FCTA Infrastructure Push Under Scrutiny and Praise
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by Nyesom Wike, has been at the centre of accelerated infrastructure delivery across Abuja since 2023.
The President commended Wike for what he described as strict project supervision and enforcement of delivery timelines.
“You have kept the contractors on their toes and kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda—delivering quality results for the Nigerian people on time,” Tinubu stated.
The FCTA has in recent months intensified road construction, bridge rehabilitation, and satellite town infrastructure upgrades as part of a broader urban renewal strategy.
OSEX: A Multi-Stage Urban Transport Corridor
According to the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, the OSEX corridor forms part of a long-term masterplan designed to improve connectivity across the FCT.
He explained that the expressway originates from the Villa Roundabout in Asokoro, passing through Apo, Wasa, and Kuje, and extending toward Gwagwalada along the Abuja–Lokoja highway axis.
The project has been executed in phases:
- Phase One: Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I (completed and commissioned in 2024)
- Phase Two: Ring Road I to Ring Road II (newly completed segment)
Dauda noted that the full alignment, when completed, will serve as one of Abuja’s most critical transport arteries.
Relocation of Apo Mechanic Village Advances
The FCTA also reaffirmed its commitment to relocating the Apo Mechanic Village to a newly developed site in Wasa District, aimed at reducing congestion along major transport corridors.
Officials say the relocation includes full provision of infrastructure to support commercial activity and long-term urban planning objectives.
FCT authorities describe the relocation as part of broader efforts to decongest Abuja’s central districts and improve environmental and traffic management.
Contractors Highlight Nigeria–China Infrastructure Partnership
Managing Director of China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), Zhong Xiang, described the OSEX project as a demonstration of effective bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China.
He said the project was delivered through coordinated planning, trust, and mutual commitment between both parties.
“This project shows what can be achieved through partnership, trust, and shared commitment to development,” he said.
Government Defends Infrastructure Record Amid Criticism
The FCT Minister used the occasion to dismiss claims that development in Abuja is stagnating, noting that the administration has lined up a 31-day commissioning programme for completed projects across the city and satellite towns.
He further stated that critics underestimate the scale of ongoing infrastructure delivery in the capital.
“It baffles most of us when people say nothing is happening in this country. Can those in the FCT say nothing is happening in Abuja?” Wike asked.
Economic and Security Implications of OSEX Expansion
Infrastructure analysts say the OSEX corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, enhance access to satellite towns, and boost real estate and commercial development along its axis.
Security experts also argue that improved road networks can enhance emergency response times, surveillance coverage, and mobility for security agencies operating in the capital territory.
The commissioning of the OSEX main carriageways represents a major component of Abuja’s ongoing infrastructure expansion strategy, reinforcing the Federal Government’s focus on road development as a driver of urban growth and economic activity.
While officials present the project as evidence of renewed governance efficiency, analysts note that long-term impact will depend on maintenance, traffic management systems, and sustained investment in complementary infrastructure.
For now, the OSEX project stands as one of the most visible urban infrastructure achievements under the current administration in the Federal Capital Territory.
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