Wike opens Dunamis-built pedestrian bridge on Abuja Airport Road

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated a pedestrian bridge built by Dunamis International Gospel Centre along Airport Road in Abuja, at the church's headquarters, the Glory Dome.

The bridge is meant to get worshippers and other residents safely across one of the capital's busiest and fastest roads, where the church said fatal accidents have been frequent.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wike called the project an example of corporate social responsibility and of leadership shown through action rather than words.

He said the church first applied for approval to build the bridge in 2018, but the request only came to his attention when Dunamis sent a reminder in February 2026. According to the minister, the approval followed within a month.

"It didn't take you more than a month after that reminder, and you got the approval," Wike said.

He announced that the FCT Administration would cover 50 per cent of what the church spent on the bridge. Tribune and Sun reported that the government would "consider" the contribution; PM News reported the minister as announcing it outright.

Church says road deaths drove the project

Dunamis founder Pastor Paul Enenche said the church had tried for six years to get permission to build the bridge, and thanked Wike for eventually granting it.

He said the decision came from concern over the frequent fatal accidents on that stretch of Airport Road. The church plans to add coverings, security lighting and transparent side panels to shield users from the weather and encourage more people to use the bridge.

Enenche also urged leaders to remember they will account for how they used their positions, and said people are remembered for the problems they solved, not the wealth they gathered.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, commended the church for backing its faith with practical action and called for unity in building a safer capital.

Wike used the event to ask Nigerians to judge governments by what they deliver, saying leaders should be ready to show concrete projects rather than rely on social media narratives. He also warned pedestrians who refuse to use footbridges and risk their lives on expressways.

The ceremony had a lighter moment: Wike said Enenche had asked him not to campaign at the event, but he argued that talking about governance is part of politics.

What happens next

The church is expected to finish the bridge's coverings, lighting and side panels. The FCT Administration is also expected to work out its 50 per cent contribution to the cost.