By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has flagged off the 700-kilometre Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri dualization Project.
Speaking at the event, Thursday, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the project demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and national unity.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe–Biu section following requests from the state government, and assured residents that construction would begin within 30 days.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway,” he said.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on media to the minister, Francis Nwaze, said the Gombe–Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, and Biu to Maiduguri.
It said the contract was awarded to HITECH Construction Company after a competitive procurement process.
On security and economic outlook, Umahi expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them.
“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,” he said.
“If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person. So we stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace.”
He noted that Tinubu had stabilized the macroeconomy and would also restore lasting peace.
“The boat is already sailing. It is on the high seas. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize it in many directions. The macroeconomy is stable, the naira is stable, and we are cascading the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President.”
Umahi described Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects stalled for decades, citing the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor.
The Governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Gombe State’s history.
“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,” Yahaya said.
He said the highway would link the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone to critical infrastructure, opening new opportunities for trade and investment. He assured the Federal Government and contractors of the state’s full support and guaranteed security for personnel and equipment.
The Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders of delivery to international standards and pledged to create jobs for host communities, especially youths.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu’s infrastructure drive and the Executive–Legislature partnership in delivering projects.
The Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, also pledged the support of his people for the successful execution of the highway, noting that a significant portion passes through the Yamaltu Emirate.
