By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has commenced major road interventions on the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State, ending decades of isolation and unfulfilled promises to communities in the area, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works have said.
The disclosure was made during a National Media Tour of the North-East, where journalists inspected ongoing works on the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) Road and the reconstruction of the Bali–Serti (Gashaka)–Gembu Road in Sardauna Local Government Area.
Residents described the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang Road, which links Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon, as a historic intervention. The road was one of the conditions agreed upon during the 1961 United Nations plebiscite that led to the integration of the area into Nigeria, but the promise remained unfulfilled for more than 60 years.
The Mbondua of Mbamnga Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sale Mbondu, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, saying the project had restored hope and a sense of belonging among communities on the plateau.
According to the monarch, travel time has been drastically reduced following the completion of a key bridge along the corridor, while improved access is already boosting trade, healthcare delivery, tourism and social interaction. He added that the use of continuous reinforced concrete pavement technology would ensure durability.
The Federal Controller of Works in Taraba State, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, said construction of the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang Road began on January 13, 2025, and is expected to be completed by July 12, 2027. He disclosed that overall progress stood at about 20.76 per cent as of January 2026, with one bridge completed and another under construction.
A representative of the contractor, Mr. Mathew Legacy, said work was progressing despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and heavy rainfall, assuring that quality standards would not be compromised. The Vice Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Area, Hon. Paul Ngantem, described the project as vital to economic activities across the plateau.
The media team also inspected the 235-kilometre Bali–Serti (Gashaka)–Gembu Road being executed by S.C.C. (Nigeria) Limited under the Renewed Hope Agenda and funded through the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme. Large sections have been asphalted, with finishing works, slope protection and safety installations ongoing.
In addition, a special intervention on flood-damaged sections of the Jalingo–Mutum Biyu–Tella–Wukari Road was commissioned, with officials saying the combined projects would reduce travel time, lower transport costs, improve safety and unlock the economic potential of the Mambila Plateau and its environs.
