President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 125-kilometre Gombe-Biu highway, a project valued at N1.245 trillion and considered one of the largest road infrastructure investments in the North-East region.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Liji, was performed by Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya alongside the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on behalf of the president.
The project will be executed by Hi-Tech Construction Company using rigid pavement technology.
Speaking at the event, Yahaya described the Gombe-Biu highway as a critical economic and social corridor linking the North-East to other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
He said the project would enhance trade, transportation, security and regional integration while boosting economic activities across the region.
The governor commended Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and national development.
“We will work closely with the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the contractors to ensure timely delivery of this project according to the highest standards so that it will serve generations to come,” he said.
Yahaya noted that despite prevailing economic challenges, the Tinubu administration had continued to prioritise projects capable of improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.
He recalled that the highway was originally constructed in 1962 and resurfaced in 1976, adding that successive administrations had failed to reconstruct the road despite its strategic importance.
The governor also appreciated the Minister of Works and members of the National Assembly for their support and appealed for sustained funding and legislative oversight to ensure the project’s successful completion.
According to him, the people of Gombe State remain grateful to the president for his commitment to the development of the state and the North-East region.
In his remarks, Umahi described the project as Tinubu’s “Sallah gift” to the people of Gombe, Borno and the wider North-East region.
The minister praised Yahaya’s leadership and infrastructural achievements in Gombe State, describing him as a silent achiever committed to development.
Umahi disclosed that the project length would be expanded from 125 kilometres to 139 kilometres following the governor’s request to align the road through the Northern Bypass instead of the township route.
He said the adjustment would improve traffic flow and stimulate economic activities around major commercial centres.
The minister added that the Federal Government was prioritising legacy infrastructure projects designed to unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, who attended the ceremony, commended the president for approving the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
They also praised Yahaya and Umahi for their commitment to quality infrastructure delivery.
Also speaking, Inuwa Garba thanked the president for approving the project and commended the governor for his advocacy and commitment toward its realisation.
The Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu expressed gratitude to the president for addressing a longstanding infrastructural challenge in the region and assured the safety of contractors and their equipment.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, assured the Federal Government and residents of the North-East that the project would be executed according to specifications and delivered within the agreed timeline.
