The Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of Section One of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, describing the project as a major milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria's transport infrastructure and boosting economic development.
The flag-off ceremony, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, also featured the commissioning of the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the superhighway is one of the administration's four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects designed to strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East geopolitical zones.
According to him, the first phase of the project spans approximately 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre, six-lane, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) superhighway traversing Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
"The project is one of the President's four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects, designed to transform Nigeria's transportation network, strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East geopolitical zones," he said.
Yilwatda commended the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, for what he described as exceptional leadership in driving the administration's infrastructure agenda.
He said, "The Honourable Minister of Works is the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration," praising his dedication to transforming Nigeria's road sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, said the superhighway represents a landmark investment that would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of the region.
Umahi explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four legacy highway corridors currently being executed by the Federal Government alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Superhighway.
He reiterated the government's commitment to using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, noting that it offers greater durability, lower maintenance costs and a lifespan of up to 100 years.
The minister also urged the contractor to deliver quality work while ensuring host communities benefit through employment opportunities, skills acquisition and technology transfer.
At the event, the President's representative commissioned the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass executed by the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Abdullahi Sule.
He commended the governor for complementing the Federal Government's infrastructure development efforts through strategic investments in road construction across the state.
In his welcome address, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the superhighway as a critical transport corridor that would connect North-Central and North-East Nigeria while facilitating agriculture, commerce, investment and national security.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Tinubu administration was making unprecedented investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda was already delivering tangible benefits across various sectors of the economy.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the project as another demonstration of the administration's commitment to inclusive development.
According to her, infrastructure investments are being complemented by programmes aimed at empowering women, supporting businesses and creating opportunities for young people.
Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project, describing the superhighway as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, boost commerce and attract investments across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the commencement of the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region.
He commended the Federal Government for fulfilling its promise to deliver the critical infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, said the project marks a new era in highway development in Nigeria, assuring that the ministry would uphold quality delivery, transparency and value for money throughout its implementation.
Similarly, the Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government and the affected states of the company's readiness to execute the project safely, professionally and in line with international standards and global best practices.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure that would strengthen national unity, promote inclusive economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.