By Joy Onu
The Federal Government on Tuesday flagged off the construction of Section One of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, in a move aimed at improving regional connectivity, boosting economic activities and strengthening security across the North-Central and North-East.
The event also featured the commissioning of the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass constructed by the Nasarawa State Government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the superhighway as one of the four Legacy Road Projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it is designed to transform Nigeria’s transportation network, strengthen national integration, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth.
He said the first phase of the project covers about 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre, six-lane Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) highway that will pass through Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
Yilwatda described the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, as one of the administration’s outstanding performers, commending his leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
On behalf of the President, he also commissioned the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass, applauding Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive through sustained investment in road development across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the superhighway as a landmark investment that will reduce travel time, improve road safety, lower transportation costs, create jobs and unlock the economic potential of communities along the corridor.
He explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four Legacy Highway Projects currently being implemented by the Federal Government alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans Sahara) Superhighway.
Umahi said the government adopted Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement technology for the project because of its durability, lower maintenance costs and projected lifespan of up to 100 years.
He thanked President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and urged the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver quality work while creating employment opportunities for host communities, promoting skills acquisition and encouraging technology transfer.
In his welcome address, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the superhighway would serve as a strategic transportation corridor linking the North-Central and North-East, with significant benefits for agriculture, commerce, investment and national security.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Tinubu administration’s investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms were delivering tangible benefits across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that investments in infrastructure were being complemented by programmes supporting businesses, women and young people.
Governor Abdullahi Sule thanked President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, boost commercial activities and attract more investment across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the commencement of construction fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region and commended the Federal Government for turning its promise into reality.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, said the project marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s highway development and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to quality delivery, transparency and value for money.
Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government, the affected state governments and Nigerians that the company would execute the project safely, professionally, on schedule and in line with international engineering standards and global best practices.
Construction of the first 125-kilometre section is expected to pave the way for the completion of the 700-kilometre corridor, which the Federal Government says will enhance the movement of people and goods, deepen regional integration and support long-term economic growth across the North-Central and North-East.
