By Oso Abidemi
The recent commissioning of the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX), in Abuja is being hailed not only as a landmark infrastructure achievement but also as a turning point for industrial and economic revival in Nigeria’s capital territory.
Originally awarded in 2014 at N7 billion and completed at N31 billion due to inflation and project variations, the 16-kilometre right-hand service carriageway from Ring Road III to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) is part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Master Plan.
The road, commissioned as one of the 17 projects marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, is seen as a critical enabler of economic expansion, particularly for Abuja’s industrial corridor.
“This is not just about roads,” said FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during the inauguration. “This infrastructure will directly support the nearby Industrial Park, which is projected to create over 40,000 direct jobs once completed.”
The Industrial Park, located near the newly completed expressway, had long been stalled due to infrastructure bottlenecks.
Wike emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s intervention reignited investor interest and made the long-delayed project viable again.
President Tinubu, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, commended Wike’s leadership and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic diversification through infrastructure.
“This road is a symbol of progress and a reflection of our Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu stated. “It is designed to unlock economic potential, support sustainable development, and ease movement across Abuja’s growing business corridors.”
As Abuja’s population swells and satellite towns expand, the need for modern road networks has become urgent.
Stakeholders believe that strategic investments like INEX will not only ease congestion but catalyze socio-economic development across the FCT’s northern axis.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as “people-centred governance in action,” and urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum by aligning planning and execution with real community needs.
Mr. Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, explained that INEX is designed as a 32.5-kilometre, 10-lane expressway, forming the backbone of the northern corridor’s urban design.
“From Maitama through the Central Area to Dakibiyu and the Idu Industrial Zone, the INEX will anchor urban expansion and promote spatial equity,” he said.
Analysts say the road could be a game-changer, enabling the FCT to finally capitalize on the long-neglected industrial zones and attracting investors seeking logistics-friendly, infrastructurally prepared business locations.
While political debates continue ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections, the Tinubu administration and the Wike-led FCT team are banking on infrastructure to win both investor confidence and voter support.
As one commuter along the INEX corridor put it, “This isn’t just a road. It’s a gateway to jobs, development, and a better Abuja.”
