By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong, has commended President Bola Tinubu for turning the long-awaited Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway project into reality, describing it as a landmark intervention that will transform transportation, commerce, agriculture and security across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.
Lalong expressed his appreciation following the official flag-off of Section 1, Phase 1 of the project, covering the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos stretch, saying it demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He recalled that the conception and advocacy for the superhighway began several years ago when he served as Governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
According to him, the forum, working closely with regional stakeholders and leaders, consistently engaged the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari on the need for a modern highway corridor linking the North-Central and North-Eastern states to unlock economic opportunities and address growing transportation challenges.
Lalong said the proposed corridor was conceived as a strategic route connecting major commercial centres, agricultural hubs, state capitals and security formations from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri, thereby promoting regional integration and national cohesion.
He added that after his election to the Senate, he remained committed to the project’s realization and continued working with his colleagues in the National Assembly to draw the attention of the 10th Senate and relevant authorities to its strategic importance.
According to him, the project was consistently presented as a priority infrastructure investment capable of stimulating economic growth, reducing travel time, improving security operations and facilitating the movement of goods and services across the region.
While commending President Tinubu for approving and commencing the project, Lalong also praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for his dedication and innovative approach to road infrastructure development, particularly the adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement technology, which he said would ensure durability and long-term value for public resources.
The former governor said the superhighway would bring immense benefits to Plateau State and other states along the corridor by improving access to markets, facilitating agricultural transportation, attracting investments, creating jobs and strengthening security coordination across the region.
He urged communities and other stakeholders along the route to support the successful execution of the project by cooperating with contractors and relevant government agencies.
Lalong expressed confidence that upon completion, the superhighway would become one of Nigeria’s most significant transportation corridors and a lasting legacy of the Tinubu administration.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote infrastructure development and improve the quality of life of Nigerians, while assuring his constituents of his continued efforts to attract projects that will accelerate the socio-economic development of Plateau South Senatorial District and the country at large.
