Tinubu’s Reforms Delivering Results, Says Umahi as FG Flags Off 122km Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are already producing tangible results through strategic investments in road infrastructure aimed at boosting economic growth, improving security and tackling poverty.
The project, which was officially launched on Tuesday at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate commerce and provide a shorter transport corridor linking Northern Nigeria with Lagos.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Works, signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister (Media), Francis Nwaze, the minister described the road as another fulfilled campaign promise by President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi said the administration was deploying infrastructure as a strategic tool to address the country’s economic and security challenges while promoting inclusive national development.
“We are using this road infrastructure to fix the economic problems we met on ground, we are using road infrastructure to fight the insecurity we met on the ground, we are using road building to fight hunger we met on the ground, and we are using this road infrastructure to fight the injustices we met on ground where some states had no federal projects,” the minister said.
He explained that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road would significantly reduce travel time between Northern Nigeria and Lagos by providing a shorter transport corridor through Niger, Kwara, Osun and Oyo states.
“By doing this road the President is shortening the distance between the North and Lagos. This is the shortest route to Lagos State. It is therefore a very important road,” Umahi added.
The minister also recalled the security concerns that previously plagued the Abuja–Kaduna highway, noting that the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna Road had drastically improved safety for commuters.
Responding to criticisms that the Federal Government was focusing on new roads while neglecting existing ones, Umahi dismissed the allegation, listing several ongoing rehabilitation projects across the country, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Makurdi–9th Mile Road, Sokoto–Zamfara–Funtua–Zaria corridor and the Bodo–Bonny Road.
According to him, road infrastructure remains the backbone of national development because it stimulates agriculture, commerce, education, security and overall economic productivity.
“When a road is built it is a catalyst. It is a GDP that grows other GDPs. When a road is built insecurity is minimized, there is an agricultural revolution, there is increased commerce and education, and that is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” he stated.
Umahi also congratulated Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at $868 million, describing it as another milestone in the state’s infrastructure development.
He urged critics of the administration to offer constructive criticism capable of improving governance rather than engaging in what he described as insults or misinformation.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari, recalling that Tinubu had visited the area before becoming President despite its security challenges and pledged to reconstruct the road and restore peace.
According to the governor, the commencement of the project demonstrates that President Tinubu fulfils his promises.
“No President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us here in Northern Nigeria. President Tinubu has done a lot for us, and we thank him for his love for the North, for humanity and for progress,” Governor Sani said.
Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the significant progress made in addressing insecurity, noting that many farmers had returned to their farms after years of displacement and fear.
The Federal Government said the reconstruction of the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road forms part of its broader strategy to improve national connectivity, strengthen regional trade, enhance security and accelerate economic development through critical infrastructure investments.
