FROM FLOODS TO FLOW: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS DELIVERING GAME-CHANGING ROADS IN ADAMAWA
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Ministry of Works, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda’s initiative to provide world-class infrastructural development to the people of Nigeria, continued its nationwide media tour with the commissioning of completed intervention projects and a visit to ongoing works in Adamawa State. The Cham-Numan section of the Gombe–Yola Road is one of the 2,064 projects inherited from previous Governments. The road is the only artery that connects Gombe State to Adamawa.
In his briefing on the Cham–Numan Section of the Gombe–Yola Road, the Federal Controller of Works for Adamawa State, Engr. Dimas Tuwai according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed described the route as an economic corridor bedeviled by years of neglect. He explained that issues arising from variations in scope and design necessitated the use of bolders’ fill instead of stone base, leading to an augmentation of the contract sum to about ₦16 billion from its initial ₦9 billion when it was awarded in May 2017. He further stated that inflation and other contractual factors subsequently increased the project cost to ₦43 billion. According to him, work has been progressive, and he commended the contractor for sustained efforts. He added that the project stands at 44 per cent completion with about 13 kilometres remaining. He expressed optimism that it will be completed within the year.
Representing the contractor, Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, the company’s PRO, Simeon Omale affirmed their commitment to meeting the delivery timeline, stating that the road will be fully completed by 2027. “CGC is committed to completing this project, and we assure you we will meet the stipulated deadline,” he declared.
Visiting another construction site, the Jabbi–Lamba Road, it was reported that the project is part of the Renewed Hope road interventions in the State. M/S Decency Associates Ltd, the company executing the work, described it as a beneficial project for communities along the corridor, noting that progress has reached about 40 per cent. The project, awarded on 30 December 2024, is on track for completion within the next three to four months.
Speaking on the quality and progress of work, the Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Adamawa State Branch, Prof. Engr. Bashiru Aliyu, FNSE, expressed satisfaction with the standard of execution. He noted that, as a native of the area, he is pleased with the quality and level of advancement achieved so far, stating that the community did not expect the work to reach such an advanced stage within this time frame.
Similarly, the Chairman of COREN, Adamawa State, Engr. Wasinda Jonathan described the intervention as laudable, commending the quality of work delivered and affirming that, as a regulatory body, COREN is satisfied with the standard of execution.
A recently rehabilitated Doctors’ Quarters Road within Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone in Yola town was also formally commissioned as part of the 260 completed Emergency/Special Intervention Projects. Executed by Clinton Enterprise Ltd, the road has improved living conditions in the area by reducing flooding and increasing property values. Performing the commissioning, on behalf of the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Adamawa State, stated, Comrade Ibrahim Kado disclosed “This road has improved living conditions in the area by reducing flooding, easing the flow of people, goods, and increasing the value of properties in the neighbourhood.” He commended the Federal Government for delivering the highly impactful infrastructure.
The Chairman, NSE observed that the rehabilitated roads covering a few kilometres leading to residential quarters previously prone to flooding are now in good condition and have significantly improved access and movement within the area.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Malam Jubril Mohammed Iliasu also expressed gratitude for the timely and beneficial intervention. “We are no longer afraid of the rainy season,” he opined.
