By Daniel Tyokua
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the reconstruction of the 122.8-kilometre Mando–Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, a ₦178.1 billion project aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities across the region.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Tinubu described the road as a strategic national infrastructure linking Northern Nigeria with the South-West, saying its reconstruction would facilitate the movement of people and goods while stimulating economic growth.
The Mando–Birnin Gwari Road project, which begins at Mando near Kaduna Airport, is among the major federal road projects approved by the President in May 2026.
Represented by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the President recalled his campaign promise in 2022 to reconstruct the road if elected, noting that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises.
Tinubu lamented that the Birnin Gwari Road had suffered decades of neglect, with little or no meaningful reconstruction, but said his administration was determined to reverse the trend.
He also noted that Kaduna, as a major gateway to Northern Nigeria, deserves quality infrastructure to support commerce, mobility and regional development.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the project underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, the reconstruction of the road will improve security, unlock the area’s agricultural potential and contribute to the administration’s efforts to tackle hunger through infrastructure development.
The minister added that the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration were beginning to yield positive results, stressing that despite inheriting significant challenges in 2023, the government had continued to deliver transformative infrastructure projects across the country.
“By embarking on this project, Mr President is fulfilling his promise to the people. It will also trigger an agricultural revolution in the area,” Umahi said.
