by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
…Says, “North of Nigeria gulps ‘Major Road Projects.’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently flagged-off the construction of the much-orchestrated Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe “Super Highway” during which he asserted that, the North Central has 35 major road projects and 61 emergency intervention projects – the highest in the country – with many already completed.
Speaking at the groundbreaking (flagging-off) ceremony, represented by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Yilwatda disclosed that, their directors are working closely with the Minister of Works, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the governors of the affected states, and have carefully planned the routes for these Legacy Projects to minimise setbacks for future road expansion and infrastructure development.
The President further disclosed that the North Central geopolitical zone currently has the highest concentration of ongoing federal road projects in the country.
According to him, the region presently hosts 35 major federal road projects, alongside 61 emergency intervention projects, most of which have already been completed to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
He urged that, “The governors should ensure proper road corridor protection, maximise returns on these investments, and prioritise the maintenance of these critical assets.”
In the same vein, Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has described the official flag-off of the construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Super Highway as “a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal programme, with far-reaching implications for economic growth, regional integration, agriculture, security, tourism, and interstate commerce.”
The occasion brought together governors, federal government officials, and political leaders, who unanimously described the project as one of the most strategic infrastructure investments, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Mutfwang, while speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed “profound appreciation” to President Tinubu for approving the highway as the fourth of the President’s Legacy Projects, describing the initiative as a demonstration of visionary leadership that places national development above partisan politics.
He recalled that the approval for the project was first announced during a meeting of the National Council of State, and noted that the commencement of construction further reinforces President Tinubu’s reputation as a leader who honours his commitments.
“We want to thank Mr. President for approving this project. I remember when he first announced at the National Council of State meeting that this road would be included among the Legacy Projects. It was, indeed, heartwarming. This initiative will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of our people.”
According to him, the history would remember President Tinubu not merely for initiating the project but for investing in infrastructure capable of transforming generations.
“This road will, undoubtedly, attract the blessings and prayers of our people as it progresses. It is beyond politics; it is about a leader who is committed to building enduring legacies. When this road is completed, Mr. President’s contribution to national development will never be forgotten,” Mutfwang stated.
According to the governor, the commencement of the project provides tangible evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into impactful development initiatives that will improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“Mr. President walks the talk. When he makes a promise, he keeps it and, today, we are witnessing that promise becoming a reality. I am confident that he will continue to deliver on his commitments. There may be challenges along the way, but I see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Governor Mutfwang also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms, urging Nigerians to assess the current administration within the context of the difficult economic realities it inherited.
He observed that President Tinubu assumed office at a time when Nigeria faced severe fiscal constraints, mounting debt obligations, and declining foreign reserves, but maintained that emerging economic indicators point towards gradual recovery and renewed investor confidence.
The governor linked the highway directly to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, stressing that efficient transportation infrastructure remains indispensable to food security, rural prosperity, and economic competitiveness.
“One of the most critical enablers of agricultural production is access to markets. There could not have been a better time for a project of this magnitude to commence,” he exclaimed.
He noted that, “The Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Super Highway would significantly strengthen Plateau State’s economy. As one of Nigeria’s leading producers of Plateau potatoes, vegetables, maize, tomatoes, fruits, and livestock, Plateau has long contended with the challenge of moving agricultural produce to major markets due to deteriorating road infrastructure.
“Upon completion, the highway is expected to substantially reduce travel time, between Plateau State and neighbouring states, lower transportation costs, minimise post-harvest losses, and enable farmers to transport fresh produce more efficiently to markets in Abuja, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and other parts of Northern Nigeria.”
The governor further noted that the improved transport corridor would stimulate investments in agro-processing industries, cold-chain logistics, warehousing, and food distribution centres, creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Plateau youths.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, described the project as a critical component of President Tinubu’s nationwide Legacy Highway Programme aimed at connecting every geopolitical zone through durable reinforced concrete roads designed for longer service-life and reduced maintenance costs.
He explained that the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe corridor forms an integral part of an interconnected national transportation network linking the South-West, South-South, South-East, North Central, North-East, and North-West geopolitical zones.
Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing all segments of the Legacy Highway Programme, emphasising that quality infrastructure remains fundamental to productivity, investment attraction, and national competitiveness.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on the other hand, stated that President Tinubu’s administration is “laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity” through unprecedented investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic reforms.
He commended both President Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for their commitment to people-centred development, noting that thousands of kilometres of federal roads are currently under construction across the country.
“Investors are not leaving Nigeria; they are returning because Nigeria is ready for greater opportunities under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The infrastructure being built today will outlive all of us, and every Nigerian should support this national vision,” he stated.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, revealing that increased federal allocations had enabled his administration to execute numerous development projects without resorting to borrowing.
Goodwill messages from governors, stakeholders, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens underscored the importance of the highway in strengthening intergovernmental collaboration between the Federal Government and the States along the corridor, and stressed that the project would accelerate trade, industrialization, job creation, and regional integration.