President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.
The president also approved an immediate release of N111bn to kick-start the project.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Tinubu described the project as the fourth legacy infrastructure initiative under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu
said it would improve connectivity, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activities across the North-Central and North-East.
“I feel highly delighted, believe me, highly delighted to be here today to commence the construction and flag off the fourth legacy projects of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President said.
He noted that the highway is a critical component of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway traversing Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
“The project is a critical component of the federal government’s road infrastructure development programme, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving road safety, and stimulating socio-economic activities along the corridor,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that the Gombe–Biu section of the same corridor was flagged off on June 4, 2026, adding that the government was steadily implementing the six-lane reinforced concrete highway in phases.
According to him, the first phase covers the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos stretch, while other sections include Jos–Bauchi (135km), Bauchi–Gombe (162km), Gombe–Biu (125km) and Biu–Maiduguri (188km), bringing the total length to 700 kilometres.
The President also gave updates on other flagship road projects across the country, stating that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had been substantially completed, while Section Two in Ogun State had reached 60 per cent completion.
He added that construction on Sections 3A and 3B in Akwa Ibom and Cross River stood at 20 per cent completion, while Sections 4A and 4B had reached five per cent.
On the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Tinubu said work had attained 40 per cent completion in Sokoto, 60 per cent in Kebbi, 18 per cent in Ogun, while mobilisation had commenced in Oyo State.
The President said the projects would transform Nigeria’s economy upon completion.
Tinubu also directed state governors along the project corridors to provide adequate setbacks for future road expansion and infrastructure development.
He urged contractors handling the projects to go beyond construction by creating jobs and building local capacity.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had announced that Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N111 billion to the contractor, a CGOC-CGC Joint Venture, to commence work.
He said” “Let me announce that the President has approved the immediate release of N111 billion to this contractor for a take-off.
“While I was here, the Minister of Finance sent me a letter and said, ‘Please give us the original documents of the President’s approval so that we can pay.’ So hold him responsible because he’s going to be paid this week.”
Umahi formally handed over the project site to the contractor and expressed confidence that the road would be completed.
The minister said the project forms Section One of Tinubu’s Fourth Legacy Project, following the flag-off of the Gombe section three weeks earlier.
He explained that the 700-kilometre superhighway would run from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, southern Yobe, Biu and terminate in Maiduguri.
According to Umahi, the highway is part of four interconnected legacy road projects designed to link Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The story here is that the four legacy projects of President Bola Tinubu are starting through the six geopolitical zones. What a fair President,” he said.
He disclosed that 30 per cent of the funding would come from the Federal Government, while 70 per cent would be financed through foreign loans.
The Minister invited capable contractors with access to international financing to bid for the remaining sections.
Umahi also reiterated the ministry’s policy of adopting reinforced concrete pavement technology for major highways.
“I have outlawed the use of asphalt in the Ministry of Works. It can only be the President Bola Tinubu reinforced concrete technology,” he said.
The minister defended the administration’s infrastructure programme, describing it as unprecedented and capable of transforming national connectivity and economic growth.
(The Whistler)