The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualisation Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressing confidence that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will overcome the country’s security challenges.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held in Gombe on Thursday, Umahi described the project as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to national development, infrastructure expansion and regional connectivity. He also commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across the state.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the minister praised both the state government and the President for their leadership and commitment to development.
“I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria,” Umahi said.
The minister revealed that the Gombe–Biu section of the road project was expanded following requests made by the Gombe State Government. He assured residents that construction activities would begin within the next month.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway,” he stated.
The road, which was awarded to HITECH Construction after a competitive bidding process, forms part of the Federal Government’s Fourth Legacy Project and is expected to improve transportation, trade and economic activities across the North-East and North-Central regions.
Addressing concerns over insecurity, Umahi urged Nigerians not to politicise security matters, especially during election periods. He expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of heightened insecurity whenever elections approach.
“Security should not be politicised. It should not be weaponised. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching,” he said.
The minister maintained that the current administration had already recorded progress in stabilising the economy and would eventually achieve similar success in addressing insecurity.
“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilise the boat in so many directions. The macroeconomy is stabilised, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President,” Umahi added.
He pointed to several flagship infrastructure projects currently being executed by the administration, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor, describing them as long-awaited projects now becoming reality under Tinubu’s leadership.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in his remarks, described the highway as one of the most important infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State. He noted that the road would play a crucial role in supporting the state’s agricultural and livestock industrial development plans.
“The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history,” the governor said.
Yahaya assured both the Federal Government and the contractors of the state’s commitment to providing adequate security for workers, equipment and project facilities throughout the construction period.
Managing Director of HITECH Construction, Engr. Dany Abboud, pledged that the company would deliver the project according to international standards while creating employment opportunities for local communities, particularly young people.
The event also featured goodwill messages from lawmakers, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, who commended the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and urged Nigerians to support ongoing projects across the country.
Traditional rulers led by the Mai Tangle, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, also pledged their communities’ support for the successful execution of the highway project.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Ede Dafinone and Anthony Yaro, members of the House of Representatives, traditional rulers and senior government officials.
