President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N111 billion for the commencement of work on the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the approval on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the project in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Umahi said President Tinubu had directed that the funds be released immediately to the project’s contractor, the CGOC–CGC Joint Venture, to enable prompt mobilisation to the site.
“Let me announce that the President has approved the immediate release of N111 billion to this contractor for a take-off,” Umahi said.
“The Minister of Finance sent me a letter and said, ‘Please, give us the original documents of the President’s approval so that we can pay.’ So, hold him responsible because he’s going to be paid this week.”
Speaking through the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, President Tinubu described the superhighway as a major milestone in the administration’s efforts to modernise Nigeria’s road infrastructure and accelerate economic development.
He said the project is one of the four flagship Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects designed to transform the country’s transportation network.
According to the President, the highway will strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East regions.
The first phase of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the proposed 700-kilometre, six-lane continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) highway linking Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
Yilwatda commended Umahi for driving the administration’s infrastructure agenda, describing him as “the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration.”
Umahi said the superhighway would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of communities along the corridor.
He noted that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four strategic highway corridors currently under construction by the Federal Government, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Superhighway.
According to the minister, the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that promotes national integration, inclusive economic growth and improved living standards under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi also reaffirmed 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.
He urged the contractor to deliver quality work while ensuring host communities benefit through employment, skills acquisition and technology transfer.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the highway as a strategic transport corridor that will strengthen agriculture, commerce, investment and national security by connecting the North-Central and North-East.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, adding that the administration’s reforms are producing measurable results across key sectors.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the project reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that investments in infrastructure are being complemented by programmes supporting women, young people and small businesses.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic investment that will improve connectivity, expand commerce and attract new investments.
Speaking on behalf of the states along the corridor, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the commencement of the project fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, said the project marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s highway development programme and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to quality delivery, transparency and value for money.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government that the company would execute the project safely, professionally and in line with international standards.
As part of the visit, President Tinubu’s representative, Prof. Yilwatda, also inaugurated the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass constructed by the Nasarawa State Government, commending Governor Abdullahi Sule for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive through strategic road investments.
