Tinubu flags off 700km Akwanga-Maiduguri superhighway, approves ₦111bn for take-off

By Taiwo Scholarstica

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 700-kilometer Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway, a major infrastructure project under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while approving the immediate release of ₦111 billion for the commencement of work.

The approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the groundbreaking ceremony for Section One, Phase One of the project, a 125-kilometer stretch linking Akwanga and Jos through parts of Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Plateau states.

Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu described the superhighway as a transformative project designed to enhance connectivity, improve road safety, and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East regions.

According to the President, the project goes beyond the construction of a road network, serving as a strategic economic corridor that will connect communities, markets, villages, and state capitals while opening up new opportunities for trade and development.

The President explained that the 700-kilometer highway traverses key routes including Akwanga-Jos, Jos-Bauchi, Bauchi-Gombe, Gombe-Biu, and Biu-Maiduguri.

He noted that work had already commenced on the Gombe-Maiduguri section, while procurement processes for the remaining segments would soon be completed.

Tinubu also provided updates on other flagship infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, noting that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos has been substantially completed.

Speaking at the event, Umahi announced that Tinubu had approved the immediate release of ₦111 billion to the contractor handling the project, assuring that payment would be made within the week to facilitate rapid mobilization to the site.

Umahi said the government would directly fund 30 percent of the project, while the remaining 70 percent would be sourced through foreign financing arrangements, inviting capable contractors to partner with the government in delivering other sections of the highway.