By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has recorded significant progress on several key road projects in Jigawa State, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure development as a critical pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The achievements were showcased during the recently concluded National Media Tour of ongoing projects in the North-West Zone, which culminated in Jigawa State and also featured the commissioning of Emergency and Special Intervention road projects.
In an official signed statement, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works (FMW), Mohammed Ahmed, said the exercise highlights the determination of the Federal Government to deliver critical road infrastructure to Nigerians, noting that substantial progress has been recorded on many ongoing projects, with host communities expressing appreciation for the visible improvements.
Speaking in Gumel, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Jigawa State, Engr. Yusuf Mahmoud, disclosed that work is advancing steadily on the reconstruction of the Kwanar Danja–Tsalle–Hadejia Road, a 117-kilometre Phase One project being executed by Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc. The project, awarded in February 2022, involves reconstruction of the existing carriageway, construction of lined drains and installation of culverts to enhance durability, improve drainage and protect adjoining communities from flooding.
Engr. Mahmoud explained that although the project was originally scheduled for completion in February 2025, progress was slowed by challenges relating to advance payment and budgetary provisions. He said the issues have since been resolved, allowing the contractor to return to site with renewed momentum.
“The project has attained about 75 per cent completion, with nearly 79 kilometres already reconstructed. Construction is ongoing simultaneously from the Gumel and Hadejia ends, with two construction gangs deployed to fast-track delivery,” he said.
The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering, Engr. Ibrahim Abubakar, confirmed that the company has mobilised extensive equipment, multiple asphalt plants and additional personnel along the remaining sections of the corridor to accelerate work.
“With all challenges now surmounted, we are working from both ends of the road. Our target is to complete the project before December 2026, ahead of the revised completion date of February 2027,” he stated, adding that temporary work stoppages during peak rainy periods were unavoidable for safety and technical reasons.
Stakeholders and road users in the area expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Branch, Salisu Muhammed, and another community leader, Mas’ud Usman, said travel time, transportation costs and vehicle maintenance expenses have dropped significantly compared to the previous condition of the road. They commended the Federal Government for sustaining its focus on road infrastructure.
The media team also inspected progress on the Kunya–Kanya–Babura–Babban Mutum Road, a 47-kilometre rehabilitation project being handled by CRCC Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited. Engr. Mahmoud disclosed that the project has reached 82 per cent completion, with about 37 kilometres already rehabilitated.
He noted that the remaining sections are expected to be completed within the year, following the resolution of earlier challenges, and added that the road will play a strategic role in boosting cross-border trade due to its proximity to the Nigeria–Niger border, while also facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and strengthening regional connectivity.
The Project Manager of CRCC, Mr. Du For, highlighted the strong Nigeria–China collaboration underlying the project and assured that the company remains committed to delivering the road strictly in line with approved specifications.
Members of communities along the corridor and road users also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government. Malam Audu Ibrahim said the project has opened up business opportunities in the area, adding, “The Government is trying and we really like the President because of the road.”
In addition, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim, commissioned, on behalf of the Minister of Works, the Special Repairs of the Kano State Border–Dutse–Kiyawa–Bauchi State Border Road. The emergency intervention project, approved under the 260 Emergency Road Projects, commenced in March 2024 and was completed in December 2024, restoring the road from a severely deteriorated state to a safe and motorable condition.
A community representative, Mustapha Isah, thanked the Federal Government for the swift intervention, while appealing for the provision of additional drainage infrastructure to address recurring flooding in the area.
At the conclusion of the media tour, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement, North-West, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, commended the Federal Government for prioritising road infrastructure in Jigawa State, describing the projects as vital to the state’s agrarian economy.
He said the interventions align squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and also praised the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., and other stakeholders for their sustained commitment to improving Nigeria’s road network nationwide.
