Tinubu inaugurates Akwanga–Maiduguri superhighway, approves N111bn initial funding

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the construction of 700-kilometres fourth legacy project covering Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Yobe–Maiduguri superhighway.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this at the launch ceremony of the project on Wednesday in Nasarawa.

The President described the project as a major component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming road infrastructure and boosting economic development across Northern Nigeria.

Tinubu noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the project to be executed in phases, beginning with the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section spanning Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states.

He added that the entire corridor stretched about 700 kilometres, linking Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Maiduguri.

“We have already commenced mobilisation of the construction at Gombe section towards Maiduguri and today we are launching the construction of Akwanga-Jos, the carriageway, by three lines of 125 kilometres.

“Most sections are being designed for procurement and award within Jos-Bauchi and Bauchi-Gombe and Bui-Maiduguri superhighway.”

Tinubu said the similar launch held on June 4, adding that the road would connect major cities, state capitals, commercial centres, and agricultural communities to strengthen national integration and improve movement of goods and services.

The President also highlighted progress on other flagship infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, stating that construction was advancing on several sections.

According to him, the Federal Government currently has 35 major road projects nationwide, with five completed and 30 ongoing, in addition to 61 emergency intervention projects across the North-Central zone.

Tinubu directed the Minister of Works, the Surveyor-General of the Federation and governors of states along the superhighway corridor to secure and own the corridors for future road expansion and supporting infrastructure.

He also urged construction companies handling the project to prioritise local employment and skills acquisition by engaging youths from host communities throughout the construction period.

Also speaking, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the President had approved N111 billion for the first phase of the project, adding that contractors would commence physical work within one week.

Umahi explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway formed part of a broader network of four legacy infrastructure projects being implemented by the Tinubu-led administration to connect all six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to him, the projects include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Cross River–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja corridor, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Yobe–Maiduguri Superhighway.

The minister said the projects were strategically interconnected and would significantly reduce travel time, improve interstate commerce, enhance national security and promote regional economic development.

Umahi defended the Federal Government’s adoption of reinforced concrete pavement technology for major highways, arguing that it offers greater durability and lower maintenance costs than conventional asphalt roads.

He commended President’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing the ongoing road projects as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history which electorate should reciprocate by way of voting him again.

“I am so lucky to have a president who is infrastructure driven, a man of few words, a man of courage, a man that has a lot of desire to take back our country.

“So, when people insult the president, I feel so sad because every day we are on the road. Every day, we are pushed by the president.

“Tomorrow we will be in Plateau State to flag off another road. The next day we are in Maiduguri for another flag-off. The next day we are going to Lagos to solve the problem of flooding along the coastal highway. ”

Speaking on behalf of the governors affected by the road project, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, described the commencement of the project as a “dream come true”.

Mutfwang said that Plateau leaders had consistently advocated for its execution because of its economic importance to the North-Central and North-East.

The governor said the road would improve access to markets, strengthen agricultural value chains and facilitate movement across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states.

Mutfwang praised President Tinubu for fulfilling his commitment to include the road among the administration’s legacy infrastructure projects.

He also commended the Minister of Works for pursuing the project with determination and expressed confidence that the Federal Government would complete the superhighway as planned.

He encouraged Nigerians to vote for Tinubu’s second term, owing to his dedication to infrastructure development.

NAN