People living and working along the Karu stretch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they’re finally getting some relief. They have thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for completing a 15-kilometre road project that they say has cut traffic, reduced flooding, and given local businesses a boost.
The contract was given to Nigerian firm Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, also called Abduval Limited, on August 22, 2025. The road runs from the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway down to Customs Clinic Junction.
It also includes major connecting routes: DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road, and Old CBN Quarters Road.
For a long time, motorists and residents on this busy route battled daily traffic jams, bad drainage, and seasonal floods anytime it rained.
Now, those who spoke after the project was wrapped up say things have changed a lot.
Mrs. Chinyere Obasi, a shop owner in the area, said business is picking up thanks to the upgrade.
“Previously, the road was in poor shape. There were no streetlights either. But look at it now — the road is good. And by God’s grace, our business is even doing better than before,” she said.
She added that getting around is now easier, and thanked Tinubu, Minister Wike, and the construction company. “I pray God continues to bless them so they can keep doing good work,” she added.
Anita Ogunwunmi, a teacher, said commuting has become much less stressful.
“The traffic used to be terrible. Once it rained, you couldn’t even pass through. But now everything flows. We’re really glad,” she said.
She noted the new road has adjusted her daily schedule.
“The trip is quicker now. I used to leave home very early to avoid traffic. These days I can leave much later. No more hold-ups. The road is clear and it’s made life easier,” she added.
She also said Wike deserves credit for the project.
Motorist and Engineer Johnpaul Adamu remembered how bad it used to be.
“This road was a huge problem for Karu. If you recall, just 12 months ago this place looked nothing like this,” Adamu said.
He pointed to poor drainage, floods, and constant gridlock as past problems.
“Now, wow — this feels like a proper city. We’re happy. The infrastructure works, there are streetlights. If you come here at midnight, you’d think it’s daytime. We thank God,” he said.
Adamu also praised Wike’s work in the FCT.
“For me, it should be 4+4 for him because he’s done well. This is the first FCT Minister I’ve seen deliver real infrastructure — roads, water, dams, housing everywhere. Everything is improving. To God be the glory,” he said.
“He’s the best FCT Minister I’ve seen so far,” he added.
The Project Manager of Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, Hacı Cengiz, said the finish shows what local contractors can achieve.
He thanked the FCT administration for backing indigenous firms.
“We’re not a foreign company, but thank God we’re performing well, and the Minister is supporting local companies strongly. Thank you, Minister,” Cengiz said.
He noted this is their second major delivery after the Ushafa road.
“This is the second project we’ve completed 100%. First was Ushafa, now Karu is also fully done,” he said.
“Ushafa was scheduled for 18 months but we finished in seven months, 100%. Here in Karu it’s about 15 kilometres of dualised road, also completed 100%. That’s why Minister Wike commissioned it,” he explained.
Cengiz said the company made sure materials and equipment were ready, and that the job created jobs.
“So far about 259 people are employed, and most of them are from the host communities. We hire from the community where we work,” he said.
He added that workers also spend money in local shops, boosting the economy further.
Supporting Nigerian firms matters, he argued, because skills and investments stay in the country.
“Foreign companies come, do the job, and leave after 2 to 5 years. But with indigenous companies, the experience, knowledge, and equipment remain here. That’s a big investment for Nigeria,” he said.
For Karu residents, the upgrade is more than asphalt. It means faster trips, stronger businesses, better drainage, and smoother access through one of Abuja’s busiest entry points.
