Tinubu Opens Key Abuja Expressway, Says ‘Hope Is Something You Can Drive On’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially opened the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja on Tuesday, linking Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction. For the President, this isn’t just about asphalt and bridges it’s about keeping faith with Nigerians.

Speaking along the OSEX-Wasa Road corridor, Tinubu framed the project as part of a larger promise: no shortcuts, just hard work and tangible change.

“We didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work. 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,” he said.

The President stressed that good roads unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and make life easier for people moving goods and services. He pointed out that since taking office, his team has steadily pushed the OSEX project forward. Back in June 2024, the first phase from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction was commissioned, including its interchanges. Then in 2025, the 15 kilometre left hand service lane was opened. Now, with this latest section complete, a major transport corridor is nearly whole.

“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start,” Tinubu declared.

He gave special credit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he called focused and visionary leadership. “The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership,” he said.

According to Tinubu, the newly opened carriageway will cut traffic jams, lower transport costs, and make it easier to move between the Apo District and Wasa. That, in turn, is expected to spark new residential, commercial, and industrial growth expanding Abuja’s economic reach.

He also acknowledged the hard truth of construction: dust, detours, and delays. “To the engineers, the labourers, traders, the planners and the communities along this corridor who endured the dust and the diversions, thank you. Your sacrifices are not in vain,” he said.

Reassuring Nigerians that his administration is in it for the long haul, Tinubu added, “We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people.”

He then formally declared the OSEX main carriageways open for public use.