Tinubu’s 700km legacy highway to boost national unity — Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu’s 700-kilometre legacy highway will connect states.

Mr Idris spoke on Wednesday in Akwanga at the start of Section One of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Super Highway.

The project covers Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Maiduguri.

The minister described the highway as a bold investment that would transform Nigeria’s economy and strengthen national integration.

He said the project would create jobs, improve trade and deliver lasting prosperity for millions of Nigerians.

“President Tinubu is not just building roads; he is building economic corridors that will facilitate trade and create jobs,” Idris said.

He added that the highway represented “Renewed Hope in action” through improved connectivity and inclusive development.

Mr Idris identified the project as one of Tinubu’s four flagship Legacy Highway Projects nationwide.

Others include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and Trans-Saharan Route.

According to him, the projects are designed to boost commerce and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.

The minister also highlighted reforms in education, industrialisation and the economy under Tinubu’s administration.

He said initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had expanded access to higher education.

Using a football analogy, Idris urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration.

He said: “If your team is winning, you don’t replace it with the second eleven.

“Nigeria deserves the very best, and President Bola Tinubu is providing the leadership needed.”

He dismissed claims of regional imbalance in federal infrastructure development across the country.

Idris said the highway projects reflected the administration’s commitment to national unity and balanced growth.

Tinubu, represented by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, inaugurated the project.

The President described the highway as a key part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the project would transform road infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in Northern Nigeria.

The Federal Executive Council approved the project to be executed in phases, starting with Akwanga–Jos.

The first section covers 125 kilometres across Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states.

Tinubu said the entire corridor would stretch about 700 kilometres linking several major northern cities.

“We have begun mobilisation at the Gombe section toward Maiduguri,” the President said.

He added that construction of the Akwanga–Jos carriageway had also begun under the project.

He noted that other sections were being prepared for procurement and contract awards.

NAN