Mabushi Roads in Deplorable State Despite Hosting Ministry of Works And It’s Strategic Location

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In the very heart of Abuja, where government presence is strongest and expectations of world-class infrastructure should be highest, lies a striking contradiction. Mabushi District, home to the Federal Ministry of Works, the government agency responsible for building and maintaining Nigeria’s roads, is itself plagued by some of the worst internal roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Once regarded as a fast-growing residential and commercial hub, Mabushi today is better known for its pothole-ridden streets, poor drainage, and frequent traffic snarls. Residents and commuters say the state of the roads has deteriorated steadily over the years, with little visible effort at rehabilitation.

Daily Ordeal for Road Users

For motorists  navigating Mabushi’s roads has become a daily nightmare. Taxi driver Musa Ibrahim, who plies the Mabushi–Jahi route, told our correspondent that his vehicle spends more time in the mechanic’s workshop than on the road.

“The shocks, the tires, the suspension—every week something goes bad. It is these roads. They are killing our cars,” he said.

Irony of Neglect

What baffles many is the symbolism of the neglect. The district hosts the headquarters of the Ministry of Works, yet its roads paint a picture of abandonment. “How can the very ministry in charge of Nigeria’s road network be surrounded by such bad roads? It sends the wrong message,” said Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, a resident of Mabushi.

Observers argue that the situation underscores a wider problem of inconsistent urban planning and lack of accountability in infrastructure delivery.

Drainage and Flooding Woes

Beyond the potholes, residents complain of inadequate drainage systems. During the rainy season, even moderate showers flood entire stretches, forcing vehicles to wade through stagnant water. Homes and businesses near low-lying areas are often at risk of being inundated.

“The moment it rains, forget it—Mabushi becomes a nightmare. The roads are flooded, and the potholes become deeper. People even abandon their cars sometimes,” said Ahmed Sani, who works in one of the private offices near the district.

Safety Concerns

The bad roads also pose serious safety risks. Traffic congestion around the busy junctions connecting Mabushi to Katampe, Jahi, and the Central Business District often leads to accidents. The junction close to the Ministry of Works itself has been identified by residents as a danger zone for both motorists and pedestrians.

Earlier this year, the House of Representatives debated the spate of road accidents in parts of Abuja and called for the construction of pedestrian bridges in high-risk areas, including Mabushi. So far,the project has taken off.

Government Response: Piecemeal Efforts

To be fair, Mabushi has not been entirely ignored. In June, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the Collector Road CN2, linking Mabushi to Katampe District. The dual carriageway, equipped with proper drainage, lighting, and telecommunications ducts, was hailed as a step in the right direction.

But residents argue that the project only scratches the surface. “That road is good, but what about the rest of Mabushi? What about the inner roads where people live and work? They remain abandoned,” said another commuter.

Some other road projects in the area have either stalled or remain unexecuted despite budgetary allocations. For example, plans for the construction of Orji Uzor Kalu Close with asphalt and drainage are yet to move beyond paper.

A Symbol of Larger Problems

Urban analysts say Mabushi reflects a broader national challenge: projects are often initiated but not maintained, while communities remain trapped in cycles of neglect.

Calls for Urgent Action

Residents are unanimous in their demand for urgent government intervention. They want the Ministry of Works and the FCT Administration to go beyond new ribbon-cutting projects and invest in comprehensive rehabilitation of Mabushi’s internal roads.

“This is the Federal Capital. If Mabushi, which is right next to the Ministry of Works, can be in this condition, what should ordinary Nigerians in smaller towns expect?” asked Mr. Joseph Eze, a civil servant who commutes daily through the area.

Conclusion

For now, Mabushi stands as a paradox—an area at the center of the capital city, carrying national significance, yet suffering neglect that undermines both its residents’ wellbeing and the credibility of the institutions it hosts.

The deplorable state of its roads is more than a local inconvenience; it is a national embarrassment and a reminder that infrastructure delivery must go beyond symbolism to real, sustained action.

Until the potholes are filled, the drains are cleared, and safety is prioritized, Mabushi will remain a daily nightmare for road users and a stark contradiction in the shadow of Nigeria’s Ministry of Works.

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