By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering critical road infrastructure in Yobe State, assuring residents of the timely completion of the ₦75.47 billion Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua Road and commissioning several completed emergency intervention projects across the state, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The assurance was given during a national media tour of federal road projects and the commissioning of emergency and special intervention works in Yobe State, held on Monday, 9 February 2026. The exercise was led by the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State, Engr. Nasir Dauda, and brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, contractors, traditional and community leaders, as well as members of the media.
At the rehabilitation site of Section I of the Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua Road, Engr. Dauda assured stakeholders and host communities that the strategic highway would be completed as scheduled. He disclosed that the project, awarded in 2024 to Messrs JRB Construction Limited, is valued at ₦75.47 billion and has a completion date of 14 May 2026. According to him, the 79.4-kilometre road is being constructed using Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), a durable design chosen to withstand the area’s recurring challenges of erosion and flooding.
Engr. Dauda explained that construction commenced from Chainage 49, identified as the most critical and vulnerable section of the corridor. Providing further technical updates, the Project Manager, Engr. Kabir Fatai, confirmed that more than 1.5 kilometres of concrete pavement had already been completed, with construction prioritised on flood-prone sections ahead of the rainy season. The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the adoption of rigid pavement as appropriate, noting that integrity tests confirmed a pavement thickness of 200 millimetres. He added that upon completion, the road would significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety, curb accidents and stimulate economic activities along the corridor and in neighbouring states.
The inspection team also commissioned an emergency access road project at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum. Engr. Dauda stated that the 490-metre road was executed to ease movement for students and staff of the institution and was completed within a three-month period, reflecting the Federal Government’s responsiveness to critical educational infrastructure needs. The Rector of CAMTECH, Mallam Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, describing the road as well-constructed and built to standard, while appealing for additional interventions to further improve campus infrastructure. The NSE Chairman also noted that the project would enhance internal mobility and support academic activities within the institution.
In Potiskum town, two additional projects were commissioned: the CABS/Graveyard Road and the limited rehabilitation of Hayin Gada Road. These projects form part of the Federal Government’s 260 emergency and special intervention road projects being executed nationwide to restore access, improve safety and ease movement within urban and semi-urban communities.
The completed projects in Potiskum were formally commissioned on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Mr. Usman Mohammed. He commended the Federal Government for what he described as timely, people-oriented and well-thought-out interventions that are already improving the quality of life of residents in the state.
Also commissioned during the tour was the 8.8-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road, which Engr. Dauda disclosed was executed by Messrs Petropan Energy Limited at the cost of ₦1.49 billion and completed within one year. He noted that the road connects several agrarian communities and has significantly improved the transportation of farm produce to markets. The Yerima of Fune and District Head of Damagum, Alhaji Idris Mai Saleh, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, affirming that the road would ease the movement of goods and enhance local livelihoods. Engr. Abdullahi of the NSE confirmed that the project met required engineering standards and would further stimulate economic activities in the area. The road was subsequently commissioned by the NUJ Vice-Chairman on behalf of the Minister.
The delegation also inspected the Kaleyeri–Damaturu Road, a 54.5-kilometre federal highway awarded in 2019 to Messrs Ric Rock Construction Limited. Engr. Dauda confirmed that the contractor had fully remobilised to site. Providing an update on progress, the Project Engineer, Engr. Ayodele Ajibogi, disclosed that earthworks were ongoing in two sections, while three kilometres of binder course had already been completed. He assured that the project would be delivered in line with the approved schedule.
The tour and commissioning exercises underscored the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructure delivery in Yobe State, with officials reiterating that the ongoing and completed projects are critical to improving connectivity, boosting economic growth, supporting education and agriculture, and enhancing the overall socio-economic wellbeing of communities across the state.
