First Lady, Mariya Mahmoud Commission Remodeled Abuja City Gate

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Abuja

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday officially commissioned the remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing the iconic landmark as a symbol of national unity, pride and the Renewed Hope vision for a modern Federal Capital Territory.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also present at the event was the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, who described the project as a visible expression of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and urban transformation in the nation’s capital.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady said the commissioning of the remodeled City Gate was a fitting tribute to the twin milestones being celebrated.

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“There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital,” she said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu explained that the newly installed Unity Fountain, featuring 37 water nozzles representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reflects the country’s unity in diversity and shared aspirations.

She urged residents and visitors to protect the facility, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to all Nigerians and should be preserved for future generations.

“I hereby officially commission the remodeled Abuja City Gate to the glory of God and for the benefit of all Nigerians and visitors to the capital city,” she declared.

In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the transformation of the City Gate as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reposition Abuja as a world-class capital city.

She noted that the project represents a new era of infrastructural renewal and reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering modern public infrastructure that enhances the beauty, functionality and global image of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the policy direction through the Renewed Hope Agenda and lauded the First Lady for her continued support for initiatives that promote national development and improve the lives of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, attributed the successful completion of the project to the support and encouragement of President Tinubu and the First Lady, noting that both played key roles in ensuring the project was delivered within schedule despite logistical challenges.

He expressed appreciation to the contractors, including Julius Berger, for the quality and timely execution of the project.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the Abuja City Gate was originally constructed in 1991 to commemorate the relocation of Nigeria’s Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja.

He explained that after years of neglect, the facility underwent comprehensive rehabilitation beginning in November 2025.

According to Dauda, the remodeled complex now features a Unity Fountain with 37 water nozzles symbolising the 36 states and the FCT, modern illumination systems, an automated irrigation network, a 60-vehicle parking facility, public conveniences and enhanced security infrastructure.

The remodeling of the Abuja City Gate is part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s broader urban renewal programme aimed at upgrading public infrastructure, improving the capital city’s aesthetics and positioning Abuja among leading modern cities around the world.

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