Tinubu Commissions New Abuja City Gate, Hails Wike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the newly renovated Abuja City Gate as a lasting symbol of national renewal, unity and progress, while praising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for driving major infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital.

The President spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the upgraded monument in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to the President, the inauguration of the project coincides with two important national occasions, the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory. He said the renovation of the famous landmark was a fitting way to celebrate both milestones.

Tinubu described the Abuja City Gate as one of the country’s best-known monuments and said its new appearance reflects his administration’s commitment to building a capital city that matches Nigeria’s status.

He noted that Abuja serves as the country’s administrative and diplomatic centre where all 36 states come together. He added that the City Gate is the first major landmark many visitors see when entering the capital, making it an important reflection of the nation.

The President said the redesigned monument, together with its new water fountain representing the 36 states and the FCT, presents an image of unity, diversity and shared national aspirations to visitors arriving in Abuja.

He added that the upgraded gateway now compares favourably with major public monuments found in leading cities around the world.

Tinubu also praised Wike for his commitment to improving Abuja through continuous infrastructure development. He noted that roads are being expanded and reconstructed, public spaces are receiving attention and other important facilities are being upgraded across the city.

According to him, the visible improvements in the capital demonstrate the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda and reflect purposeful leadership aimed at improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

The President said he hopes the City Gate will continue to serve as a symbol of national pride and inspire Nigerians to contribute to the country’s development.

He also appealed to residents and visitors to protect the facility, reminding them that public infrastructure belongs to every Nigerian and should be properly maintained.

Tinubu thereafter declared the renovated Abuja City Gate officially open.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed that the idea for remodelling the monument came after the First Lady expressed the view that the entrance to the nation’s capital should reflect Nigeria’s standing.

Wike recalled that heavy rainfall almost disrupted the commissioning ceremony but said postponing the event was never considered despite the weather conditions.

He explained that President Tinubu had questioned why such an important national landmark had remained unattractive despite its strategic importance to the capital city.

According to Wike, the President directed him to improve the appearance of the City Gate so that visitors arriving in Abuja would immediately recognise it as the capital of a major nation.

The minister said he immediately instructed officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and construction company Julius Berger to begin redesigning the monument, although the project initially faced delays.

Speaking humorously, Wike joked that he warned Julius Berger that if he lost his job because of delays, the company would also face consequences, drawing laughter from those at the ceremony.

He explained that much of the engineering work carried out on the project was beneath the surface and involved complex construction that is not immediately visible to visitors.

According to him, while the finished monument appears simple from the outside, extensive underground work was completed to achieve the final result.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the completed project, saying Nigerians would appreciate the new water fountain, improved lighting and the overall transformation of the City Gate as another step in the renewal of Abuja.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the renovated City Gate as another sign of the ongoing transformation taking place across the Federal Capital Territory.

She praised President Tinubu for providing the vision behind the development projects and commended Wike for leading the rehabilitation, reconstruction and completion of critical infrastructure across Abuja.

Mahmoud also applauded the First Lady for her support for programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians, noting that her attendance added prestige to the commissioning ceremony.

She said the renovated landmark marks a fresh phase of infrastructure development and urban renewal, adding that the ongoing projects are restoring Abuja’s master plan and positioning the city among modern capitals around the world.