The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the FCT Administration “will dualise the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Apo to Wassa Junction.”
Wike made the disclosure in Abuja on Friday, during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.
He said the step was to eliminate any form of traffic congestion on the expressway, increase vehicular movement and promote economic activities.
He said the left-hand service carriage way of OSEX was awarded in 2017 at N6 billion and after variation in 2021, the contract sum increased to N21 billion.
The minister disclosed that on assumption into office in August 2023, he noticed that the road was in a bad state, the project was abandoned due to lack of funds.
The minister said the decision to complete the project was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to complete all on-going projects.
“The Apo to Wassa road project is one of such projects. I promised the contractor that we will make money available and to the glory of God today, we are here to inaugurate the road,” he said.
The minister said the completed road would improve connectivity, ease traffic movement from Apo to Wassa and link Takushara and Kabusa communities.
“This is what has been lacking, and Tinubu has made it very clear that his drive is not just to develop the city but to open up rural communities for development,” he said.
He said part of the funds used in constructing the road was from ground rent and urged FCT residents to continue to pay their taxes to enable the FCT Administration to undertake more infrastructural development projects.
Wike thanked Tinubu and the National Assembly for all the support that had translated to the successes being recorded.
The minister also promised to relocate Apo Mechanic traders and artisans from the OSEX road corridor to Wassa, adding that he would not only supervise the process, but chair the exercise.
Inaugurating the road, Tinubu said the road from Apo to Wassa Junction was a significant addition to the road network in the heart of Abuja.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the president said, “This very vital infrastructure fully demonstrates our commitment which is the voice of the President now.
“It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable urban development, enhanced mobility, and improved quality of life for the people of the FCT. The OSEX is Abuja’s key transport backbone. It connects the city centre to rapidly growing districts.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr. Richard Dauda, said the OSEX was a 10-lane expressway with two main carriageways of three lanes and two service carriageways of two lanes.
Dauda said the about 60-kilometre OSEX “commences from the Villa Roundabout to Apo through Kuje and connects Abuja to Lokoja expressway at A2 in Gwagwalada.”
He said the road was being developed in stages, adding that the first stage from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I was completed and inaugurated in 2024.
“The right-hand service carriageway to Wassa Junction had been completed and now the 15-kilometre left hand service carriageway was equally completed and inaugurated today,” he said.