Tinubu Will Defeat Insecurity, Don’t Politicise National Security, Umahi Declares as FG Flags Off Gombe–Biu Super Highway

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters 

The Federal Government on Thursday officially flagged off the dualization of the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a key segment of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Corridor, with Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will overcome Nigeria’s security challenges while delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the country.

Umahi, who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony in Gombe State, cautioned against politicizing insecurity, insisting that national security should never be weaponized for political gains.

The position was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Honourable Minister of Works and signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) on June 5, 2026.

Addressing government officials, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and stakeholders at the event, Umahi described the highway project as another landmark achievement of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a testament to the President’s commitment to national integration and economic development.

“Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized. 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, and God is going to pay back,” Umahi said.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government remains resolute in tackling insecurity and restoring lasting peace across the country.

“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize the boat in so many directions. The macroeconomy is stabilized, 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,” he stated.

Highway to Open Up Economic Opportunities

Umahi disclosed that the Gombe–Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Road Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri.

According to him, the project was awarded to HITECH Construction Company after a competitive procurement process involving six firms.

“There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it,” he said.

The minister further assured residents that visible construction activities would commence within the next 30 days.

“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway,” he pledged.

Umahi praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what he described as the remarkable transformation of Gombe State, noting that the administration’s developmental strides have positioned the state as one of Nigeria’s emerging economic hubs.

“We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you because you are a true Nigerian,” he told the governor.

Tinubu Delivering Long-Abandoned Projects — Umahi

The Works Minister also highlighted several flagship infrastructure projects being executed under President Tinubu, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the President as a leader committed to turning long-standing national aspirations into reality.

“The Sokoto-Badagry project was dreamt about fifty years ago. Who actualized it? President Bola Tinubu. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was conceived decades ago. Who is actualizing it? President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi said.

He argued that the administration’s determination to complete projects abandoned for decades demonstrates its capacity to tackle other national challenges, including insecurity.

Governor Hails Project as Historic

In his remarks, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the Gombe–Biu Highway as one of the most significant federal infrastructure investments ever undertaken in the state.

“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 noted that the highway would complement the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative, creating new opportunities for commerce, investment, and job creation.

“The livestock and agricultural zone will connect directly to the Super Highway, linking economic activities to critical infrastructure and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment,” he added.

The governor assured the Federal Government and contractors of maximum security and support throughout the execution of the project.

HITECH Pledges Quality Delivery

Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to international standards.

“We will execute this project to the highest international standards. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery,” Abboud stated.

He also promised that the company would prioritize employment opportunities for youths and residents of host communities.

Lawmakers Rally Support for Tinubu

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu’s infrastructure drive and urged Nigerians to support the administration.

“Forget about induced insecurity that people are trying to bring to destabilize the country, but God will not allow it to work,” he said.

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the collaboration between the Executive and Legislature in delivering critical infrastructure projects nationwide.

The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, also pledged the support of traditional institutions and host communities for the successful completion of the highway.

The ceremony attracted top government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, representatives of HITECH Construction Company, and stakeholders from across the country.

The Gombe–Biu Super Highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity across the North-East, boost trade and agricultural activities, and strengthen economic integration between communities along the corridor.