The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State as part of efforts to improve security, strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The project was flagged off on Monday, August 4, 2026, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, saying the road fulfils President Tinubu's campaign promise to the people of Birnin Gwari and demonstrates the administration's commitment to equitable infrastructure development across Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, and dated August 5, 2026, the 122-kilometre highway is a strategic economic corridor linking Kaduna State with Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, providing the shortest route between northern and southern Nigeria.
Umahi said the reconstructed road would improve the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, boost agricultural productivity, facilitate commerce, enhance security and accelerate socio-economic development in the region.
He noted that the project forms part of the Federal Government's broader strategy of rehabilitating critical highways nationwide, citing ongoing works on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road and the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
The minister also disclosed that the road would feature modern infrastructure, including solar-powered streetlights and tree planting, in line with the Ministry's sustainable and climate-resilient road development policy.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani recalled the President's visit to Birnin Gwari during the 2023 election campaign despite security challenges, where he pledged to restore peace and reconstruct the road.
The governor said both promises had been fulfilled through improved security operations and the commencement of the road project, adding that farmers had returned to their farmlands while businesses were gradually resuming along the corridor.
He also thanked the President and the Minister of Works for supporting Kaduna State through several infrastructure projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Kaduna Western and Eastern bypasses and the recently approved Kaduna Light Rail Project.
Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the reconstruction as a landmark investment that would improve transportation, lower the cost of moving agricultural produce, create jobs and strengthen economic activities across Kaduna State and neighbouring states. He urged residents and traditional institutions to protect the project throughout its execution.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Rafiu Adeladan, said the project had been awarded to Messrs. J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited with a completion period of 24 months. He disclosed that preliminary engineering works had been completed and construction equipment mobilised to site, assuring that the Ministry would ensure strict quality control.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Federal Government for prioritising critical road infrastructure and engaging indigenous contractors to promote local capacity development and employment.
Managing Director of J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited, Urmil Jagadish Patel, assured that the contractor had fully mobilised personnel, equipment and logistics to deliver the project within schedule. He said the highway would not only provide durable infrastructure but also create jobs for youths and facilitate skills transfer to local engineers and artisans.
Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Mai Gwari II, praised President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promises, describing the road as an economic lifeline that would reconnect communities, promote trade and agriculture and restore hope to residents.
The Federal Government said the reconstruction is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, support security operations, strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance interstate commerce across Kaduna State and beyond.