FG Flags Off 122km Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Highway, Says Project Will Boost Security, Trade, National Integration

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has formally commenced the reconstruction of the long-abandoned 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road, describing the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen security, improve regional connectivity, stimulate commerce and accelerate economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, following the official flag-off ceremony held on Monday, August 4, 2026, in Kaduna State.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, according to the press release said the reconstruction fulfils a campaign promise made by President Tinubu to the people of Birnin Gwari and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the country.

He described the Mando–Birnin Gwari Road as a vital economic corridor linking Kaduna State with Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos States, noting that it represents the shortest route connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria.

“The project fulfils President Tinubu’s campaign promise to the people of Birnin Gwari and underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the country,” Umahi said.

According to the Minister, the completed highway will improve the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen security operations and stimulate socio-economic development across the region.

Umahi explained that the Federal Government is deploying road infrastructure as a strategic tool for addressing insecurity, food insecurity and unemployment while expanding economic opportunities nationwide.

“The administration is leveraging infrastructure as a strategic tool to combat insecurity, improve food security, create jobs and expand economic frontiers,” he stated.

He disclosed that the highway would incorporate modern features, including solar-powered streetlights and tree planting, in line with the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The Minister also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the rehabilitation of critical federal highways across Nigeria, citing ongoing works on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and several other strategic road projects.

Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani recalled that the President had visited Birnin Gwari during the 2023 election campaign despite prevailing security challenges and pledged to restore peace and reconstruct the road.

The governor said both promises were being fulfilled through sustained security interventions and the commencement of the road project.

He noted that improved security had already enabled farmers to return to their farmlands and businesses to resume operations, adding that the new highway would further strengthen agriculture, commerce and regional integration.

Governor Sani thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for their continued support to Kaduna State, highlighting other ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Kaduna Western and Eastern Bypasses, and the recently approved Kaduna Light Rail Project.

The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the reconstruction as a landmark investment that would reduce transportation costs, improve security, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across Kaduna State and neighbouring states.

He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect the project and support the contractor to ensure timely completion.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the road as a critical transport corridor that would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, solid minerals, commercial goods and passengers.

He disclosed that the contract was awarded to Messrs. J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited with a completion period of 24 months, adding that engineering preparations had been concluded and construction equipment had already been mobilised to site.

Adeladan assured Nigerians that the Ministry would maintain strict quality assurance and close supervision throughout the execution of the project.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Federal Government for investing in the reconstruction of critical road infrastructure nationwide while also engaging indigenous contractors to strengthen local capacity and create jobs.

Managing Director of J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited, Urmil Jagadish Patel, described the project as a historic milestone reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

He praised the Ministry’s adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and commended Governor Uba Sani for improving security, which made the commencement of the project possible.

Patel assured Nigerians that the company had fully mobilised personnel, equipment and logistics and would complete the project within the stipulated 24 months.

“The project will deliver a durable, world-class highway while creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths in the host communities and promoting skills transfer through the training of local engineers and artisans,” he said.

Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Mai Gwari II, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promises to improve security and reconstruct the road.

He described the project as an economic lifeline that would reconnect communities, revive trade and agriculture, and restore hope to residents of Birnin Gwari.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the reconstruction of the critically deteriorated highway is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, strengthen security operations, support agricultural value chains, facilitate interstate commerce and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.