Tinubu Flags Off 700km Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway, Commissions Akwanga Dual Carriageway

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of the first section of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, a landmark infrastructure project aimed at transforming transportation, boosting economic activities and enhancing security across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, performed the groundbreaking ceremony in Akwanga, Nasarawa State on Tuesday. The President also commissioned the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass, executed by the Nasarawa State Government.

Representing President Tinubu, Prof. Yilwatda according to a press statement e-signed by by the Federal Ministry of Works’ Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Abdullahi described the superhighway as one of the administration’s four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects, designed to modernise Nigeria’s road infrastructure, improve national integration, facilitate trade, strengthen security and stimulate economic growth.

According to him, the first phase of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre six-lane, Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) superhighway traversing Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.

The President’s representative also praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, for his leadership in driving the administration’s infrastructure agenda.

“The Minister of Works is the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration,” Yilwatda said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works described the project as a transformative investment that would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of the region.

Umahi explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four legacy highway corridors currently being executed by the Federal Government alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Superhighway.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to adopting Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology for the road, noting that the construction method guarantees greater durability, reduced maintenance costs and a lifespan of up to 100 years.

“This is a landmark investment that will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create jobs and unlock the region’s economic potential,” Umahi said.

The Minister also commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and urged the contractor to ensure quality delivery while prioritising local employment, skills acquisition and technology transfer for host communities.

At the event, Prof. Yilwatda commissioned the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass, constructed by the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Abdullahi Sule.

He commended the governor for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive through strategic investments in road development across the state.

In his welcome address, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the superhighway would serve as a critical transport corridor connecting the North-Central and North-East, while promoting trade, agriculture, investment and national security.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted what he described as unprecedented investments by the Federal Government in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, said the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that investments in infrastructure are being complemented by programmes targeted at empowering women, youths and businesses.

Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, stimulate commerce and attract investments across the region.

Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting states, described the commencement of the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people, praising the Federal Government for delivering on its promise.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, said the project marks a new era in highway development in Nigeria and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to quality, transparency and value for money.

Also, the Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd, Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the company would deliver the project professionally, safely and in line with international standards and best practices.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure capable of strengthening national unity, promoting inclusive economic growth and improving the quality of life of Nigerians in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.