By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has intensified its drive to restore critical transport infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities in Bauchi State, as the Federal Ministry of Works advances key road rehabilitation and emergency flood-control projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has prioritised federal road and bridge development nationwide, with a deliberate focus on strategic corridors that enhance connectivity, improve safety, and unlock socio-economic growth. This commitment was on full display as the North-East Zone National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency and Special Intervention Projects commenced in Bauchi State on Sunday, 8 February 2026.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, the exercise began with an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe Road, a major arterial route linking Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba States. The 35-kilometre section under rehabilitation was awarded in 2024 to Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of ₦39,999,177,118.59.
The project is designed to restore a vital transport corridor that had become notorious for frequent accidents, deteriorating pavement conditions and prolonged travel times. Ongoing works have already led to a noticeable reduction in road crashes, while completion is expected to significantly enhance safety, cut travel time, lower vehicle maintenance costs and stimulate economic activities across the North-East Zone.
In addition to the road rehabilitation, the Federal Ministry of Works also commissioned two completed emergency and special intervention projects along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari–Potiskum Road on the same day. One of the projects involved the emergency repair of a collapsed concrete-lined three-cell pipe culvert at Konkiyel Town, at Chainage CH 120+500. The intervention was executed to permanently address persistent flooding, protect adjoining farmlands and communities, and preserve the integrity of the federal highway.
This was followed by the emergency repair of a collapsed section of a two-cell pipe culvert and concrete-lined drain at Sauke Village, at Chainage CH 162+000. The project restored hydraulic capacity, mitigated flood risks, improved road safety and ensured the uninterrupted movement of people, goods and services along the busy corridor.
The commissioning ceremonies were led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, who was ably represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Saidu. He described the interventions as transformative, stressing that they provide lasting relief to affected communities, prevent recurring flood damage and improve the socio-economic well-being of residents of Bauchi State and the wider North-East region. He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the durability and long-term effectiveness of both ongoing and completed projects.
Providing technical insights, the Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engineer Bashiru Adamu, explained that the projects form part of the 260 emergency interventions initiated at the beginning of the current administration to address critical infrastructure failures across the country. He noted that the Bauchi–Gombe Road rehabilitation and the drainage and culvert repairs along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari–Potiskum Road were specifically designed to mitigate flooding, protect federal assets and reduce climate-related infrastructure risks. According to him, culverts and concrete-lined drains remain essential hydraulic structures for safeguarding roads, farmlands and host communities.
Professional bodies also commended the interventions. An official of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Ibrahim Ahmed, praised the Federal Government for its prompt response to infrastructure challenges and expressed satisfaction with the engagement of licensed engineers and technologists on the projects, urging continued professional oversight to sustain quality delivery.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi Branch, Engineer Shehu Wakili, highlighted the strategic importance of the Bauchi–Gombe and Bauchi–Potiskum corridors to regional integration and economic growth. He noted that the emergency drainage and culvert works protect the federal road network and support seamless movement of goods and services, while encouraging host communities to complement government efforts through environmental protection initiatives such as tree planting.
On the contractor’s side, the Project Manager of Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Joseph Samaha, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and assured that the Bauchi–Gombe Road rehabilitation is progressing steadily. He confirmed that drainage construction, binder courses and asphalt surfacing are ongoing, with full completion expected within the year.
Speaking on behalf of host communities, the Head of Sauke Village, Mallam Zakari Ya’u, expressed deep gratitude to the current administration for the emergency intervention, describing it as a long-awaited relief from annual flooding. He said the projects have protected farmlands, improved access and restored confidence among residents, while pledging the community’s commitment to safeguarding and maintaining the infrastructure for sustained benefits.
