President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday officially flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga-Jos section of the Akwanga-Kaduna-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway while also commissioning the newly dualised Akwanga Township Road and a modern underpass constructed by the Nasarawa State Government.
The President, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, performed the inauguration during a ceremony held in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; members of the National Assembly, commissioners, government officials and traditional rulers.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule described the dualised Akwanga Township Road as one of the landmark achievements of his administration, noting that the project was completed without obtaining any bank loan.
According to him, the project was fully financed through improved revenue accruing to the state as a result of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Governor Sule also disclosed that individuals and business owners whose properties were affected by the road expansion received full compensation, a move he said ensured the successful execution of the project with minimal resistance.
He further appreciated the APC National Chairman for combining the commissioning of the state projects with the flag-off of the federal highway project.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, praised Governor Sule for delivering critical infrastructure beyond the state capital, describing the projects as evidence of purposeful leadership and responsible governance.
He noted that the road projects demonstrated strong collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nasarawa State Government and would significantly improve transportation links between Abuja and Akwanga, as well as Makurdi and Akwanga, through the newly constructed interchange.
The President also commended Governor Sule for recognising the positive impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms on state finances.
Tinubu directed the Minister of Works and state governors to collaborate with the Surveyor General of the Federation in preparing setback plans to accommodate future road expansion. He also urged contractors handling the projects to prioritise the employment and training of local youths.
Minister of Works David Umahi said the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects were designed to improve connectivity across the country, stimulate economic activities and strengthen national unity.
He explained that the Akwanga-Jos highway represents Section One, Phase One of the larger Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Umahi, the 125-kilometre stretch cuts across Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states and forms part of the over 700-kilometre corridor linking Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu and Maiduguri.
He revealed that construction had already commenced on the Gombe-Biu section, while the Jos-Bauchi, Bauchi-Gombe and Biu-Maiduguri sections were currently undergoing design processes ahead of procurement and contract awards.
The minister also gave updates on other legacy road projects nationwide, stating that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos had been substantially completed, while work continued on sections in Enugu, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
He added that construction was progressing on various sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Sokoto, Kebbi and Oyo states, while work was equally ongoing on the Trans-Saharan route connecting Calabar, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi further disclosed that North Central Nigeria currently hosts the highest number of federal road projects in the country, with 35 major projects, including five that have already been completed.
He also announced that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of ₦111 billion for the construction of Section One of the Akwanga-Jos road, describing the funding as a significant boost to the administration’s infrastructure development programme.
Also speaking, APC governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State for the 2027 election, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, described Umahi as an exceptional performer and commended Governor Sule for his prudent and transparent management of public resources.
He appealed to Nigerians to support President Tinubu with another term in office to enable him consolidate on the achievements recorded by his administration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also maintained that the Tinubu administration’s accomplishments over the last three years—including investments in road infrastructure, the establishment of the National Education Loan Fund and Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list—demonstrate that the President deserves a second term to continue his reform agenda.
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