Iyobosa Uwugiaren writes that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s infrastructure-driven approach bears a striking similarity to a development philosophy that helped transform modern China. Captured in the famous Chinese saying, “To get rich, build roads first,” the idea holds that transportation infrastructure is not merely a consequence of economic growth but a catalytic agent for it.
As dawn breaks over Abuja, the sounds of graders, asphalt pavers and construction crews have become part of the city’s daily beat. Across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, road construction has emerged as the defining signature of the administration of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
From the city centre to emerging districts and satellite towns, a network of newly completed and ongoing roads is remodeling the capital’s economic landscape.
To many observers, Wike’s infrastructure-driven approach bears a striking similarity to a development philosophy that helped transform modern China. Captured in the famous Chinese saying, “To get rich, build roads first,” the idea holds that transportation infrastructure is not merely a consequence of economic growth but a catalytic agent for it. In Abuja today, that principle appears to be unfolding in real time.
Since assuming office, the former Governor of Rivers State has placed roads at the heart of his development agenda. While critics may debate the pace, priorities or cost of projects, few dispute the scale of the investment. For the minister, roads are not simply public works projects; they are economic corridors designed to unlock productivity, stimulate investment, increase land values and connect communities to opportunities. The strategy reflects a simple but powerful logic: economic activity thrives where connectivity exists.
To be sure, across the world businesses seek locations that are accessible. Investors gravitate toward areas with reliable transportation links. Property markets flourish where movement is easy. In that regard, roads are much more than strips of asphalt; they are economic infrastructure.
Nowhere is this more evident than in some of the recently commissioned roads across the FCT. One of the most significant is the dual carriageway connecting Gudu Cemetery to Kabusa Junction. For years, residents and businesses in the area struggled with poor access, traffic blockages and long commuting times. The completion of the two main carriageways has transformed a critical transportation corridor linking parts of Abuja’s expanding southern districts.
The economic implications
Improved connectivity between Gudu, Kabusa and adjoining communities reduces travel times for thousands of commuters daily. Businesses transporting goods now enjoy lower vehicle operating costs, while residents benefit from easier access to commercial centres, schools and healthcare facilities. The road also opens up surrounding land for residential and commercial development, creating opportunities for real estate investment and increasing property values.
Urban developers often describe roads as “value creators” because they unlock the economic potential of land. Before road access is established, large portions of urban land remain underutilised. Once a modern road network arrives, that same land can suddenly attract housing estates, shopping complexes, warehouses and industrial facilities.
The Gudu-Kabusa corridor illustrates this principle. Areas previously considered peripheral are increasingly being integrated into Abuja’s broader urban economy.
An even more strategic project is the completion of Arterial Road N5, popularly known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. For many urban planners, this project represents one of the most economically consequential road investments undertaken in the capital in recent years.
Life Camp has developed into one of Abuja’s most vibrant residential and commercial districts. Yet rapid population growth placed increasing pressure on existing road infrastructure. By extending and improving Obafemi Awolowo Way toward Ring Road III, the FCT Administration has effectively created a major development corridor capable of supporting future expansion.
The economic value of this road extends beyond traffic management. First, it improves access to developing districts that are expected to accommodate future residential, commercial and institutional investments. Second, it enhances connectivity between key parts of the city, making movement more efficient for workers, businesses and service providers. It also provides critical support for urban expansion by ensuring that transportation infrastructure precedes large-scale development rather than lagging behind it.
This is perhaps where the comparison with China’s development model becomes most compelling. One of the defining characteristics of China’s infrastructure strategy was the construction of transportation networks ahead of anticipated growth. Roads were built not merely to serve existing demand but to create conditions for future economic activity. The extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way appears to follow a similar philosophy. Rather than waiting for congestion and development pressures to become overwhelming, the infrastructure is being put in place to guide and support growth. The result could be the emergence of new economic clusters along the corridor over the coming years.
Perhaps the most economically transformative of the recently commissioned projects, however, is the road linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Town.
For decades, Kuje was often viewed primarily as a satellite town on the outskirts of Abuja. Despite its strategic location and significant population, transportation challenges limited its integration into the economic life of the capital.
The new road has now changed that equation. By providing a more efficient connection to the Airport Expressway, the project vividly improves mobility between Kuje and the Abuja city centre. The implications for trade, investment and property development are considerable.
For residents, the road reduces commuting times and transportation costs. For businesses, it creates easier access to customers and suppliers. For investors, it enhances the attractiveness of Kuje as a destination for residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial projects.
Its strategic significance is amplified by Kuje’s growing role within the FCT. With Abuja’s population continuing to expand, satellite towns are increasingly becoming important centres of residential and economic activity. Efficient transportation links are therefore essential to ensuring balanced urban development. In practical terms, the road helps bridge the gap between the urban core and one of the FCT’s fastest-growing communities.
Taken together, these projects reveal a consistent development philosophy. Rather than viewing roads as isolated infrastructure projects, the Wike administration appears to see them as economic assets capable of generating long-term returns. The objective is not simply to move vehicles faster but to stimulate investment, expand economic opportunities and support urban growth.
This mirrors the essence of the Chinese philosophy that helped drive one of the most remarkable economic transformations in modern history. The famous saying, “To get rich, build roads first,” was based on the understanding that prosperity depends on connectivity. Farmers need roads to reach markets. Manufacturers need roads to move goods. Workers need roads to access jobs. Investors need roads to access opportunities. In Abuja, the same principle is increasingly visible.
Yet, despite the widespread commendation that has greeted the ongoing road revolution in the Federal Capital Territory, many residents and urban development observers insist that significant gaps remain.
While major arterial roads and strategic corridors are receiving attention, they argue that numerous access roads leading to large residential estates across Abuja continue to suffer from neglect, poor drainage and inadequate connectivity.
One area frequently cited is Kafe District, which has emerged as one of Abuja’s fastest-growing residential hubs. The district is home to well over 100 mass housing estates accommodating thousands of residents, civil servants, professionals and business owners. Despite its growing importance within the city’s housing ecosystem, access to many parts of the district remains difficult, particularly during the rainy season when sections of roads become flooded, deteriorated or nearly impassable.
Residents contend that while flagship projects such as the Gudu Cemetery-Kabusa Junction dual carriageway, the Obafemi Awolowo Way extension and the Airport Expressway-Kuje road have delivered immense economic value, similar attention should be extended to access roads serving densely populated housing clusters.
According to urban planners, the economic logic behind road infrastructure should not stop at major highways. Access roads are often the final link between residents and the wider economy. They connect homes to schools, hospitals, markets, offices and commercial centres. Without them, the full benefits of larger transportation investments may not be realised.
Observers note that Kafe District presents a compelling example. With its concentration of housing estates, improved road infrastructure could unlock substantial economic activity, enhance property values, reduce commuting stress and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents. Better access would also encourage further private-sector investment in retail, education, healthcare and hospitality services within the district.
For many stakeholders, therefore, the next phase of Abuja’s infrastructure transformation should focus on connecting the city not only through major highways but also through the network of access roads that serve its rapidly expanding residential communities.
Of course, roads alone cannot guarantee prosperity. Sustainable economic growth also depends on security, education, healthcare, power supply, investment-friendly policies and effective governance. Infrastructure is a necessary condition for development, but not a sufficient one.
Yet history shows that economies rarely flourish in the absence of efficient transportation networks. As Abuja continues to evolve into a megacity, the roads being commissioned today may ultimately prove to be among the most consequential investments of this era. Long after the ribbon-cutting ceremonies are forgotten, the economic activities they enable could continue generating value for decades.
Whether by design or coincidence, Wike’s approach increasingly reflects the wisdom embedded in China’s famous development mantra. The minister appears convinced that roads are more than concrete structures; they are pathways to prosperity. And if the Chinese experience offers any lesson, it is that when roads connect people, markets and opportunities, economic transformation often follows.
For Abuja, the journey may have only just started.
POLITY
Glitz, Heritage As Movie on ‘Ojúde Oba’ Festival Premieres in Lagos
Bennett Oghifo
Lagos witnessed a rich blend of culture, fashion and cinematic storytelling last week Thursday as ‘Ìwe Àla’ (An Ojúde Oba Story) premiered in grand style at Filmhouse Cinemas Lekki, drawing filmmakers, cultural enthusiasts and other guests from across the industry.
The event, which began with a red carpet reception, was marked by elegance and cultural pride as guests arrived in “aso oke” (native attire) in line with the dress code. The cinema environment was transformed into a celebration of Yoruba heritage, with photography, fashion statements, and vibrant conversations setting the tone for the night.
The Executive Producer of the movie, Yeye Olawumi Fajemirokun, a businesswoman and cultural advocate, whose work in film and philanthropy continues to gain recognition within and outside Nigeria, was on hand to welcome the guests. Her involvement in the project reflects a growing commitment to telling indigenous stories on global platforms.
Speaking in at the premiere, she said the film was inspired by a desire to explore a deeper narrative of the annual Ojude Oba Festival beyond the widely seen public celebration enjoyed by millions of people across the globe each year.
She noted that while the festival is widely known for its colour and grandeur, there are many untold stories behind the scenes, particularly the contribution of tailors and artisans whose work sustains the visual identity of the celebration.
According to her, “What people usually see is the glamour of the day, but there is a lot that happens behind the scenes. We wanted to bring out those stories so that people can understand the effort and creativity that goes into Ojude Oba, especially from the tailors who work tirelessly to make the festival what it is.”
She further described the film as an extension of her earlier success with Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, adding that Ìwe Àla represents a continuation of her vision to project indigenous narratives to wider audiences. She disclosed that early reception to the project had been encouraging, with growing interest from audiences within Nigeria and the diaspora.
“People are already asking when it will be released. We are hopeful for a strong national run and international reach because indigenous stories like this deserve to be seen globally,” she said.
On the issue of institutional support, she expressed optimism that government and cultural bodies would increasingly recognise and support such projects. She referenced positive feedback from notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who she said expressed appreciation for the cultural presentation of the story.
The Executive Producer emphasized that independent filmmakers are often driven by passion rather than influence, stressing the importance of support structures that can elevate Nigerian stories to global standards.
“We are independent storytellers with important stories to tell. We hope for stronger collaboration and support from the government and stakeholders because these stories are a true reflection of our culture and identity,” she added.
The premiere itself stood out as a cultural showcase, merging cinema with heritage in a way that highlighted the richness of Yoruba tradition.
The premiere also attracted a host of notable personalities and cultural figures who stormed the venue in grand style. Among the distinguished guests were Olori Adewunmi Adeyeye, Olori Oni Ile Ife; veteran actor Dele Odule; Farooq Oreagba, and several other dignitaries from the entertainment and cultural sectors, who all came out in support of the production.
The cast of Ìwe Àla (An Ojúde Oba Story) features a rich lineup of talented actors, including Owobo Ogunde, Mercy Aigbe, Dele Odule, Demola Adedoyin, Tobi Makinde, Eniola Ajao, Farooq Oreagba, Aishat Isiaka, and Tolu Otebiyi, who brought the story to life through compelling performances that reflect the richness of Yoruba culture and tradition.
The film is scheduled to begin screening in cinemas nationwide from June 12, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the Ojude Oba story on the big screen for the very first time.
