Odita Sunday 
Tinubu flags off 700km Akwanga–Maiduguri superhighway, commissions Akwanga dual carriageway
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of Section One of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, describing it as a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation, security and economic activities across the North-Central and North-East.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the ceremony in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the highway is one of the administration’s four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects designed to strengthen national integration, facilitate trade and accelerate economic growth.
The first phase of the project covers about 125 kilometres from Akwanga to Jos and forms part of the planned six-lane, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) highway traversing Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
According to the President’s representative, the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure, while he commended the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, for his leadership in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Umahi said the superhighway would improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs and create jobs across the corridor.
He said the Akwanga–Maiduguri highway is one of four legacy highway projects currently being executed by the Federal Government alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Highway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Superhighway.
The minister said the Federal Government adopted CRCP technology because of its durability, lower maintenance cost and projected lifespan of about 100 years. He urged the contractor to deliver quality work and ensure host communities benefit through employment and skills development.
The event also featured the commissioning of the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass executed by the Nasarawa State Government. President Tinubu’s representative commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive.
Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo said the highway would serve as a major transport corridor linking the North-Central and North-East, while enhancing trade, agriculture, investment and security.
Governor Abdullahi Sule thanked President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic road that would connect communities and boost commerce.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on behalf of the benefiting states, described the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the region.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to quality delivery, transparency and value for money, while the Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, pledged to complete the project in line with international standards.
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