8.6km Airport Expressway to Kuje Junction Project Reaches 73% Completion
Minister Wike Inspects 8.6km Kuje Road and 13km Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has announced that the development of the 8.6-kilometre Highway 105, stretching from the Airport Expressway to Kuje Junction, has reached 73% completion. Speaking during an inspection of the project site on Wednesday, the Minister indicated that the road is on track for commissioning in May 2026.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth
The project, officially designated as Stage 1 of the full-scope development of Highway 105, was awarded to Arab Contractors in February 2022. While the initial contract featured a 48-month delivery timeline, the current administration has accelerated work to ensure completion ahead of schedule.
Minister Wike highlighted the strategic importance of this corridor, noting that it is central to President Bola Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda for urban renewal. Once completed, the highway will significantly reduce travel time between the city center and Kuje, easing the chronic traffic congestion often experienced on the main Airport Road.
Progress on the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway
In addition to the 8.6km stretch, the Minister also inspected the ongoing 13-kilometre Kuje to Gwagwalada dual carriageway. This project is currently estimated at 65% completion. According to the Minister, this inter-district link is vital for decentralizing traffic within the FCT.
"You don't need to go through the Airport Road if you are going to Gwagwalada or from Gwagwalada to town," Wike explained. He expressed satisfaction with the contractors' performance, stating that the Gwagwalada link is expected to be inaugurated by the end of June 2026.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Urban Development
The FCT Administration (FCTA) continues to prioritize integrated transport infrastructure as a means to stimulate economic activities in satellite towns. The completion of these roads is expected to:
Reduce Logistics Costs: Improved road surfaces and shorter routes will lower vehicle maintenance and fuel costs for commuters and commercial transporters.
Stimulate Real Estate: Enhanced accessibility is projected to drive demand for housing and commercial properties in the Kuje and Gwagwalada axes.
Boost Quality of Life: By mitigating traffic gridlock, the administration aims to improve the daily productivity and well-being of residents in the area councils.
The 73% completion rate of the Airport-Kuje road marks a critical step in the FCTA’s commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in Abuja’s outskirts. As the May and June deadlines approach for these major projects, the administration maintains that strict oversight will continue to ensure that the quality of delivery aligns with international engineering standards. For residents and investors, these developments signal a significant shift toward a more connected and economically vibrant Federal Capital Territory.
