By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive move to restore motorability and enhance road safety, the Federal Ministry of Works has commissioned Emergency and Special Intervention Projects along the Bauchi–Gombe and Gombe–Cham corridors in Gombe State. The commissioning took place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, as part of a nationwide media tour under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The interventions form part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects launched since the Tinubu administration assumed office in May 2023, aimed at rehabilitating critically damaged portions of federal highways nationwide.
In an official signed statement, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed, disclosed that the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects with a debt overhang exceeding ₦13 trillion. “Given the fiscal constraints, priority was assigned to roads whose conditions had deteriorated to near collapse or had already failed, to restore safety, improve mobility, and facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services,” he explained.
The Bauchi–Gombe corridor, a vital link connecting Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa States, underwent comprehensive rehabilitation. Works included overlaying the carriageway, reinstating shoulders, and improving drainage systems. Previously plagued by road failures that posed safety risks and hindered socio-economic activities, the corridor now features strengthened pavement, safer shoulders for off-road parking, and significantly improved riding quality.
Engr. Mohammed Jahun, Federal Controller of Works, Gombe State, confirmed that the intervention has restored both the safety and durability of the route. “Traffic flow has improved considerably, and motorists can now navigate the corridor safely,” he said.
Comrade Faruk Mu’azu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Chapter, who commissioned the project on behalf of the Minister, described the rehabilitation as timely and impactful. “Before now, this road was almost impassable. Thanks to the Federal Ministry of Works, movement is now free and without hitches,” he said. Comrade Mu’azu also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road, noting that the expansion would enhance connectivity between the North Central and North-East zones and stimulate economic growth.
The NUJ Chairman additionally commissioned the reinstatement of failed shoulders along the Gombe Bypass. Completed within three months, the project covered 1.5 kilometres of roadway and 910 metres of drainage, bringing relief to road users and local residents alike.
Another key corridor, the Gombe–Billiri–Cham Road linking Gombe and Adamawa States, saw urgent rehabilitation of three failed bridges. Works included restoration of handrails, rehabilitation of abutments, stone pitching, reconstruction of wing walls, and reinforcement of structural components to improve stability and visibility. According to the Federal Controller, the intervention has eliminated previous hazards, ensuring safer travel, particularly at night.
Mr. Hudu Shehu, Chairman of the Gombe State Correspondents’ Chapel, officially handed over the rehabilitated roads to the public on behalf of the Minister, praying that the projects would serve the interests of humanity and contribute to the common good.
The Bauchi–Gombe corridor also forms part of the 4th Renewed Hope Legacy Road Project, which envisions dualisation from Akwanga through Jos and Bauchi to Gombe. Other key corridors earmarked for continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) upgrades include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and the Calabar–Abuja Highway, all designed to enhance connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with improved street lighting and rail lines.
