ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday officially inaugurated the newly remodelled Abuja City Gate in the Federal Capital Territory, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the capital’s aesthetics and create a more welcoming impression for residents, visitors, and investors entering the city.
The inauguration ceremony, which coincided with the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory, was attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and other dignitaries.
Speaking as the representative of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady described the remodelled City Gate as a symbol of national unity and pride, adding that the unveiling could not have come at a better time. “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.
The First Lady highlighted the gate’s new water fountain, designed to represent the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, saying the feature will welcome visitors and signal that Abuja is “a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations.” She urged residents to protect the monument, stressing that “public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility.”
President Bola Tinubu, in remarks read by the First Lady, said the remodelled Abuja City Gate can proudly stand alongside notable gateways and public monuments around the world. “This newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, with its beautiful water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations,” the President said.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the project was initiated by the First Lady, who had drawn his attention to the condition of the City Gate after observing similar landmarks during her travels. “The day she called me, she said, ‘Minister, you have been travelling; is that how the city gate of other countries are?'” Wike recalled. He noted that Senator Tinubu had urged him to beautify the entrance to the capital, asking, “Why can’t you do something to beautify the place? Anybody entering Abuja will say this is the city of Abuja.”
Wike described the project as a testament to the First Lady’s vision, stating that Nigerians should emulate her for filling the gap and adding something significant to her husband’s administration. “I’m not the kind of person that talks about praises, no; let me say it clearly, you may not like it but the truth must be told; what is the office of the First Lady? It’s to fill in the gaps,” Wike said.
The minister recounted the push to complete the refurbishment despite logistical challenges and persistent rain ahead of the event, thanking contractors, including Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for producing designs and executing the work quickly. “To the glory of God, we have arrived,” he declared.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, revealed that the Abuja City Gate was originally built in 1991 to symbolically depict the official relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. He noted that the edifice was neglected and left to deteriorate until November 2025, when the redesign and rehabilitation contract was awarded.
Dauda stated that the features of the remodelled Abuja City Gate include a Unity Fountain with 37 nozzles representing the 36 states and the FCT, an elaborate irrigation system, illuminating lighting systems, a car park for 60 cars, toilet facilities, and dependable security services.
The remodelling of the Abuja City Gate forms part of broader FCT efforts to upgrade the capital’s infrastructure — including road expansion and public-space improvements, aimed at enhancing Abuja’s image ahead of the territory’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
