Karu Residents Praise Tinubu, Wike As Road Project Eases Traffic, Flooding

Residents and commuters in the Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory have expressed relief following the completion of a 15-kilometre road project, saying the development has reduced traffic congestion, flooding and other difficulties that had affected the area for years.

The project, awarded to indigenous contractor Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, also known as Abduval Limited, on August 22, 2025, runs from the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to Customs Clinic Junction.

It also includes several feeder roads, including DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road.

The corridor had previously been affected by heavy traffic, poor drainage and flooding, especially during the rainy season. Residents and motorists said the completion of the project had brought a noticeable change to movement and commercial activities in the area.

A shop owner, Chinyere Obasi, said the improved road had contributed to better business conditions and easier movement. She also noted that street lighting, which was previously absent, had improved the environment.

Another resident, teacher Anita Ogunwunmi, said commuters had previously faced serious delays along the route, particularly whenever rainfall caused flooding.

She said the improved road had reduced travel time and changed her daily routine, as she could now leave home later for work without the fear of being trapped in traffic.

Ogunwunmi also commended the FCT administration for the project, describing the development as a major relief for residents and other road users.

A motorist, Johnpaul Adamu, recalled that the Karu corridor had been difficult to use because of flooding, inadequate drainage and persistent congestion.

He said the completed project had transformed the area, with improved infrastructure and street lighting making the road easier and safer to use, including at night.

Adamu also praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the infrastructure projects being executed across the territory, saying the developments had made a visible difference in several communities.

Meanwhile, Project Manager of Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, Hacı Cengiz, said the completion of the Karu project demonstrated that Nigerian-owned companies had the capacity to handle major infrastructure works.

Cengiz commended the FCT administration for creating opportunities for indigenous contractors and said the Karu project was the second major road project completed by his company.

According to him, the company had earlier completed the Ushafa road project, which was originally scheduled to take 18 months but was delivered within seven months.

He said the Karu project, covering about 15 kilometres and involving road dualisation, was also completed fully within the agreed period.

Cengiz attributed the company’s performance to proper planning and the availability of equipment and construction materials needed to execute the projects.

He disclosed that about 259 workers were engaged on the Karu project, with many of them recruited from the host communities.

Beyond direct employment, he said the project had also supported local businesses as workers and contractors patronised shops and other services within the communities.

The project manager further called for continued support for indigenous contractors, noting that locally owned companies retain technical knowledge, experience, equipment and investment within the country.

For residents and commuters, the completed Karu corridor has brought improvements beyond the road itself, with shorter travel times, better drainage, reduced flooding, improved business activities and easier movement along one of the major routes into Abuja.