By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that the North Central geopolitical zone currently has the highest concentration of federal road projects in Nigeria, with 35 major road projects and 61 emergency intervention projects, many of which have already been completed.
The President made this known on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Super Highway in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
He was represented by the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu said the Federal Government had carefully planned the routes for its Legacy Projects in collaboration with the Minister of Works, the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the governors of the affected states to minimise future setbacks associated with road expansion and infrastructure development.
He noted that the North Central currently hosts 35 major federal road projects alongside 61 emergency intervention projects, describing the region as the highest beneficiary of ongoing federal road infrastructure investments.
The President urged state governors to protect road corridors, maximise the economic benefits of the projects and prioritise the maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described the official flag-off of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Super Highway as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal programme with far-reaching benefits for economic growth, agriculture, security, tourism, interstate commerce and regional integration.
Speaking on behalf of governors along the project corridor, Mutfwang expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the highway as the fourth project under the President’s Legacy Projects initiative.
He recalled that the project was first announced during a meeting of the National Council of State and said the commencement of construction demonstrated the President’s commitment to fulfilling his promises.
“We want to thank Mr. President for approving this project. I remember when he first announced at the National Council of State meeting that this road would be included among the Legacy Projects.
It was indeed heartwarming. This initiative will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of our people,” he said.
According to the governor, history would remember President Tinubu for investing in infrastructure capable of transforming future generations.
He added that the commencement of the project provided tangible evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda was translating into meaningful development that would positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
Mutfwang also commended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, urging Nigerians to assess the administration against the difficult economic conditions it inherited.
He maintained that recent economic indicators suggested gradual recovery and renewed investor confidence.
The governor linked the highway directly to agricultural transformation, stressing that efficient transportation infrastructure remained vital to food security, rural prosperity and national competitiveness.
He said the project would significantly strengthen Plateau State’s economy by reducing travel time, lowering transportation costs, minimising post-harvest losses and improving access to major markets for agricultural produce.
According to him, the improved transport corridor would also stimulate investments in agro-processing, cold-chain logistics, warehousing and food distribution, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Plateau youths.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the project as a critical component of President Tinubu’s nationwide Legacy Highway Programme aimed at connecting all six geopolitical zones through durable reinforced concrete roads with longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
He explained that the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor forms part of an integrated national transport network linking the South-West, South-South, South-East, North Central, North-East and North-West.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing all segments of the Legacy Highway Programme, describing quality infrastructure as essential for economic productivity, investment attraction and national competitiveness.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Tinubu administration was laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity through massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms.
He noted that thousands of kilometres of federal roads were currently under construction across the country, adding that improved infrastructure would strengthen investor confidence and create greater economic opportunities.
Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying increased federal allocations had enabled his administration to execute numerous development projects without borrowing.
Goodwill messages from governors, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders highlighted the strategic importance of the super highway in boosting trade, industrialisation, job creation, regional integration and collaboration between the Federal Government and states along the corridor.
