President Tinubu Unveils Remodeled Abuja City Gate, Says It Can Rival the World’s Best

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially unveiled the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing it as a landmark project that reflects the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda and positions Nigeria’s capital among the world’s leading cities.

Represented at the ceremony by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President said the transformation of the iconic entrance into Abuja goes beyond physical infrastructure, symbolizing national unity, progress, and the country’s commitment to building a modern capital city.

According to him, the remodeled City Gate is designed to compete with some of the most recognizable gateways and public monuments around the world, offering visitors a grand and memorable welcome to Nigeria’s political and diplomatic capital.

A major attraction of the project is the Unity Fountain, featuring 37 water nozzles representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). President Tinubu said the monument serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s unity in diversity.

“This newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, with its beautiful water fountain representing the 36 states and the FCT, tells every visitor arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations,” the President said.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for delivering another major infrastructure project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.

The President also urged residents of the FCT to protect and preserve public infrastructure, emphasizing that maintaining national assets is a collective responsibility.

Project Inspired by First Lady’s Challenge

Speaking during the commissioning, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike revealed that the remodeling project was inspired by a challenge from the First Lady, who encouraged the administration to transform the City Gate into a monument befitting Nigeria’s capital.

He explained that the contract was awarded in November 2025 and completed within a short period with the support of President Tinubu, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and construction giant Julius Berger.

According to Wike, the First Lady’s intervention was driven solely by a desire to improve the nation’s image.

“The First Lady challenged us to look at the gate and ensure it befits a nation’s capital. She didn’t seek personal gain; she sought to fill a gap in our national aesthetics. Today, thanks to the President’s backing and the efficiency of the FCDA and Julius Berger, we have a world-class monument,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the facility now includes a 60-car parking area, food courts, public conveniences, recreational spaces, and enhanced security infrastructure. He added that professional maintenance arrangements are already in place to ensure the facility remains in excellent condition.

Symbol of Abuja’s Urban Renewal

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodeled City Gate as a visible symbol of Abuja’s ongoing transformation and the administration’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure.

She said the project reflects the government’s determination to reposition the Federal Capital Territory as a modern, globally competitive city.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the landmark is expected to become one of Abuja’s major tourism and recreational attractions.

Providing a technical overview, Dauda explained that the Abuja City Gate was originally constructed in 1991 to commemorate the relocation of Nigeria’s Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja.

He noted that years of neglect had left the structure in poor condition before the rehabilitation contract was awarded in November 2025.

According to him, the remodeled facility now features:

• A Unity Fountain with 37 water nozzles representing the 36 states and the FCT.

• Modern landscape irrigation systems.

• Decorative architectural lighting.

• Parking space for 60 vehicles.

• Public toilet facilities.

• Dedicated security infrastructure.

The upgraded Abuja City Gate is expected to serve not only as the city’s primary ceremonial entrance but also as a recreational destination for residents and tourists, reinforcing Abuja’s image as one of Africa’s fastest-developing capital cities.