Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Thursday flagged off construction of the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major segment of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges will be overcome under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Gombe State, drew senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and contractors, as part of renewed efforts by the Federal Government to expand strategic road infrastructure across the North-East corridor.
Umahi said the project reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to national development and infrastructure renewal, adding that construction on the Gombe–Biu section would commence within 30 days.
He explained that the road forms part of a 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project linking Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri, designed to improve regional connectivity and economic activity.
The Minister disclosed that the contract was awarded to HITECH Construction Company following a competitive bidding process involving five other companies.
“There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it,” he said, noting that the project scope was expanded following requests from the Gombe State Government to maximise its developmental impact.
Umahi also praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the administration had stabilised key indicators while working to address insecurity nationwide.
“The macroeconomy is stabilised, the naira is stable… this insecurity will also be solved by this President,” he said.
He, however, warned against politicising insecurity, stressing that national security must remain a collective responsibility and not a tool for political gain.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State described the project as one of the most significant federal infrastructure investments in the state in recent years, saying it would unlock economic opportunities across agriculture, livestock, and trade corridors.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya assured full state support for the project, including the security of contractors, equipment, and personnel throughout the construction period.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Alabi, commended the Federal Government for sustained investment in infrastructure and urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and projects.
Traditional rulers present at the ceremony, including the Mai Tangle of Yamaltu Emirate, pledged cooperation with contractors and assured a peaceful environment for project execution.
Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the project would be delivered to international standards and within specification, while also creating employment opportunities for youths in host communities.
He added that the company would fully mobilise resources to ensure timely completion of the highway.
The Gombe–Biu Super Highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity across the North-East, ease transportation of goods and services, and strengthen economic integration along the Akwanga–Maiduguri corridor as part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda.
