President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section of the Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway and commissioned the dualised Akwanga Township Road, alongside an underpass project executed by the Nasarawa State Government.
The President performed the flag-off and commissioning ceremonies in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and was represented at the event by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
Dignitaries present included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; members of the National Assembly; state executive council members; and traditional rulers.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule described the dualised Akwanga Township Road as one of his administration’s signature projects, noting that it was completed without resorting to borrowing from any financial institution.
He said the project was fully funded through increased revenue inflows made possible by President Tinubu’s economic reforms. Sule also disclosed that all residents and business owners affected by the construction were duly compensated, a development he said helped secure public cooperation and support.
The governor thanked the APC National Chairman for including both the commissioning and flag-off ceremonies in his schedule.
In his remarks, President Tinubu commended Governor Sule for executing major infrastructure projects beyond the state capital, describing the initiative as evidence of effective and inclusive governance.
He said the projects reflected strong collaboration between the federal and state governments and would significantly enhance connectivity between Abuja and Akwanga, as well as other key corridors in the region.
Tinubu also praised the governor for acknowledging the impact of federal economic reforms on state revenues.
The President directed the Minister of Works and state governors to collaborate with the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to develop setback plans for future road expansions. He also urged contractors handling the projects to prioritise the employment and training of local youths.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects were designed to connect all parts of the country, stimulate economic activities, and strengthen national integration.
He explained that the Akwanga–Jos corridor represents Section One, Phase One of the broader Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the 125-kilometre section traverses Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Plateau states and forms part of a 700-kilometre strategic corridor linking Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu, and onward to Maiduguri.
Umahi added that construction had already commenced on the Gombe–Biu section, while other segments—including Jos–Bauchi, Bauchi–Gombe, and Biu–Maiduguri—were at various stages of design and procurement.
He also provided updates on other legacy projects, noting that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos had been substantially completed, while other sections in Enugu, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom were progressing steadily.
He said work was ongoing on sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Oyo States, as well as the Trans-Saharan route linking Calabar, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi further disclosed that the North Central region currently hosts the highest number of federal road projects nationwide, with 35 ongoing projects, five of which have been completed.
He added that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N111 billion for Section One of the Akwanga–Jos road, describing it as a major boost to the administration’s infrastructure drive.
Also speaking, Nasarawa-based APC governorship aspirant for the 2027 election, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, praised the Minister of Works as an “uncommon performer” and commended Governor Sule for what he described as transparent and prudent management of public funds.
He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu for another term in office to consolidate ongoing reforms and development efforts.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also said the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education financing through the National Education Loan Fund, and Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list demonstrated progress that warranted continuity.
