By Joy Onu, Abuja
Commuters and motorists in Gombe and surrounding states can now navigate key highways with greater ease and safety following recent rehabilitation works. The projects, executed by the Federal Ministry of Works, were unveiled on 11 February 2026 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They are part of 260 Emergency and Special Intervention Projects launched since May 2023 to restore critically damaged federal roads nationwide.
In a statement to the media on 12 February 2026, Muhammed A. Ahmed, Director, Media and Public Relations at the ministry, said the Bauchi–Gombe corridor works included strengthening the carriageway, reinstating failed shoulders, and upgrading drainage systems. Before the intervention, portions of the road were near collapse, posing safety risks and hindering economic activity. Officials said the rehabilitation has improved ride quality, eased traffic flow, and enhanced safety, with restored shoulders providing space for vehicles to park off the main carriageway.
Engr. Mohammed Jahun, Federal Controller of Works in Gombe State, confirmed the completion of the projects, noting that traffic movement has improved significantly and motorists now face lower accident risks. Representing the Minister of Works, Nigeria Union of Journalists Gombe State Chairman, Comrade Faruk Mu’azu, commissioned the works and described them as “timely and impactful.” He also commended the president for approving the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe highway, expected to ease transport between North-Central and North-East Nigeria.
The Gombe Bypass benefited from additional emergency works, including the reinstatement of 1.5 kilometres of failed shoulders and 910 metres of drainage, completed within three months. Residents and road users welcomed the intervention, saying it has alleviated years of travel difficulties and improved daily commutes.
Along the Gombe–Billiri–Cham Road, three structurally compromised bridges were prioritised for urgent rehabilitation due to safety concerns, particularly for night travel. The work included repairing handrails, rehabilitating abutments, reconstructing wing walls, stone pitching, and reinforcing structural components. Officials confirmed the measures have improved bridge stability and eliminated previous hazards.
The completed projects were formally handed over to the public by Mr Hudu Shehu, Chairman of the Gombe State Correspondents’ Chapel, on behalf of the Minister of Works. He urged that the rehabilitated roads serve the people effectively and contribute to socio-economic development in the region.
The Bauchi–Gombe corridor forms part of the fourth Renewed Hope Legacy Road Project for dualisation from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe. Other legacy initiatives include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and Calabar–Abuja Highway, all designed with continuous reinforced concrete pavements, street lighting, and integrated rail lines to enhance connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
