President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, describing the project as another major milestone in his administration’s drive to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
The President, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also commissioned the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass in Nasarawa State.
The event marked the official commencement of Section One of the ambitious highway project, one of the four flagship Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects designed to strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade and unlock economic opportunities across the North-Central and North-East.
The first phase covers about 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the 700-kilometre six-lane continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) superhighway traversing Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Prof. Yilwatda praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, for his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure, describing him as one of the administration’s best-performing ministers.
He described Umahi as “the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration” for driving the Federal Government’s ambitious road development programme.
Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, Umahi described the superhighway as a game-changing investment that would reduce travel time, improve road safety, lower transportation costs, create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth across the region.
He explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four mega highway corridors currently being executed simultaneously by the Federal Government, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans Sahara) Superhighway.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s decision to adopt Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, saying the roads are designed to last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Umahi thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support for infrastructure development and urged the contractor to deliver quality work while creating employment opportunities for host communities through skills acquisition and technology transfer.
The President’s representative also commissioned the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass constructed by the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, commending the governor for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the superhighway would serve as a strategic transport corridor linking the North-Central and North-East, while boosting agriculture, commerce, investment and national security.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, said the Tinubu administration was delivering unprecedented investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms, adding that Nigerians were already feeling the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the project as another clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that massive infrastructure investments were being complemented by programmes targeted at women, youths and small businesses.
Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the superhighway, describing it as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, expand commerce and attract investments across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, hailed the commencement of the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of the people, applauding the Federal Government for keeping its promise.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, said the project signalled a new era in highway construction in Nigeria, assuring Nigerians that the ministry remained committed to quality delivery, transparency and value for money.
Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the company would deliver the project safely, on schedule and in line with international standards.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure projects that would promote national unity, accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
