President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of establishing ranches and uplifting rural communities during his visit to Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The president made these remarks on Monday while commissioning a newly constructed 15-kilometre road from A2 Junction on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway to Pai town—a project executed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu shared his impressions from the journey, noting the untapped opportunities for agriculture, grazing, and prosperity in the region. He stressed the need to transform such rural areas into productive economic zones, especially for farmers and herders along the Pai–Gomani corridor.
“I just came from the commissioning of a major mechanization project and, on my way here, I observed numerous opportunities for prosperity, the need to establish ranches, and the urgency to uplift the lives of rural dwellers,” Tinubu stated.
He pledged federal government support to assist local farmers and livestock owners, highlighting the potential of turning sources of conflict into pathways to economic growth through proper grazing management and infrastructure development.
The president reiterated his administration’s dedication to reducing rural-urban migration by ensuring balanced and inclusive development that caters to all segments of society. He praised Minister Wike and his team for their dedication to improving underserved rural communities through infrastructure.
“The commissioning of this road is not only symbolic but also strategic,” Tinubu said. “It opens up a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, and mobility—key elements for strengthening our national economy from the grassroots.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the critical role rural communities like Pai play in food production and local enterprise. He lamented their historical neglect due to poor infrastructure but celebrated that the narrative is beginning to change under his administration.
“We are delivering similar projects across the country and won’t stop until every Nigerian feels the touch of meaningful governance,” he assured.
Wike Warns Against ‘Political Farmers’ as He Highlights Road Development Efforts
Also speaking at the event, Minister Nyesom Wike underlined the importance of accessible infrastructure for food security and community development. He disclosed that over 150 kilometers of road projects have been undertaken in satellite towns across all six Area Councils of the FCT under President Tinubu’s directive.
He listed completed and ongoing roads such as:
The 9km Paikon Kore–Ibwa road in Gwagwalada
The 5km Gaba–Tokulo road with bridges
The 5km Tipper Garage Junction–LEA Secretariat road in Kuje
The 11km Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebbo road in Kwali
A temporary 5km road linking Saburi 1 & 2 to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX)
The old Keffi–Dei-Dei International Market road in AMAC
Wike emphasized that arable land in the region could provide lasting solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges but warned against “political farmers” who acquire land only for speculation.
“There is vast, fertile land here. We are ready to pay compensation to the local communities and allocate land to genuine farmers,” Wike said. “But we will not entertain applications from political farmers who hold on to land as speculators, only to sell it when development arrives.”
He concluded by noting that the improved road network would significantly enhance security access and economic opportunities for rural communities that were previously isolated.
The event marks another milestone in the Tinubu administration’s ongoing effort to bridge the development gap between urban centers and rural communities across Nigeria.
