Abuja, Nigeria, June 9, 2026 — The completion ceremony for the Phase II Main Carriageway Project of the Abuja Southern Outer Expressway (stretching from the Inner Ring Road Interchange to the Outer Ring Road Interchange), constructed by CGCOC Nigeria Ltd., was held at the project site on the afternoon of June 9.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who inspected the project, attended the ceremony, and delivered remarks. The event was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud, Minister-Counsellor Sun Xuekun of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhong Xiang, General Manager of CGCOC Nigeria Ltd., along with other senior government officials. Hundreds of local residents also gathered to witness the occasion.

According to CGCOC Nigeria Ltd., Senate President Akpabio highly commended both the quality and pace of construction. He noted that the project had been completed to a high standard within just eight months, surpassing expectations in terms of construction speed, engineering precision, and overall quality. He remarked that the achievement demonstrated CGCOC’s strong technical expertise and efficient project execution capabilities. Akpabio further emphasized that the road would significantly improve traffic conditions, facilitate daily mobility, and serve as another important milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development and urban modernization efforts.

Minister Wike also praised CGCOC’s professionalism and commitment to project delivery. In his remarks, he highlighted that the corridor is home to a large concentration of automotive repair and spare-parts businesses, whose growth had long been constrained by inadequate transportation infrastructure. As a key component of Abuja’s transport network upgrade, the completed project is expected to strengthen the city’s road system, support commercial and industrial activities in the southern part of the capital, and unlock greater economic potential across the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zhong Xiang expressed his appreciation for the trust and support extended by the Nigerian side. He noted that CGCOC has been operating in Nigeria for 44 years and has consistently adhered to the highest construction standards while ensuring timely project delivery. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to aligning its operations with Nigeria’s development priorities by actively participating in infrastructure projects, creating employment opportunities, and nurturing local talent. Through high-quality projects and long-term engagement, CGCOC aims to further promote practical cooperation and friendship between China and Nigeria and contribute to a shared future of prosperity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Senate President Akpabio officially unveiled the project plaque and declared the road open to traffic.

Project Background

As a key contractor for the Abuja Southern Outer Expressway, CGCOC Nigeria Ltd. previously delivered Phase I of the project as well as the left service carriageway under Phase II. The opening of the Phase II main carriageway marks another significant milestone in the development of the expressway and further strengthens Abuja’s ring-road network, providing critical infrastructure support for the city’s ongoing modernization.

Project Overview

Construction of the Phase II main carriageway commenced in October 2025. The 4-kilometer section links Abuja’s Inner Ring Road and Outer Ring Road and features a total roadbed width of 54 meters. The scope of works included the construction of dual-direction main carriageways, two bridges, and three pedestrian overpasses.Designed with future urban growth and increasing traffic demand in mind, the project incorporates integrated solutions for drainage, street lighting, landscaping, and utility infrastructure. Its scientifically planned layout and robust engineering standards are intended to accommodate sustained high traffic volumes while ensuring safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for road users.

The project serves as a vital transport corridor connecting Abuja’s urban core with emerging suburban development areas. With the road now operational, it is expected to significantly ease congestion, improve commuting and logistics efficiency, support coordinated urban-rural development within the Federal Capital Territory, enhance Abuja’s attractiveness to investors, and contribute meaningfully to the modernization of Nigeria’s capital city.