By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Works has intensified efforts to transform road infrastructure in Adamawa State, commissioning completed intervention projects and inspecting ongoing works as part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to enhance connectivity and economic development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, during a nationwide media tour of federal road projects. Among the key projects inspected was the Cham–Numan section of the Gombe–Yola Road, one of the 2,064 inherited projects and the only major highway linking Adamawa State to neighbouring Gombe State.
Providing an update on the project, the Federal Controller of Works in Adamawa State, Engr. Dimas Tuwai, described the road as a critical economic corridor that had suffered years of neglect before the current intervention. He explained that changes in design and construction requirements necessitated the use of boulders’ fill instead of stone base, resulting in an increase in the contract sum from the original ₦9 billion awarded in May 2017 to about ₦16 billion. He added that inflation and other contractual adjustments later pushed the project cost to approximately ₦43 billion.
Despite the cost escalation, Tuwai said steady progress was being made, noting that the project had reached 44 per cent completion, with about 13 kilometres left. He expressed optimism that the road would be completed within the year and commended the contractor for maintaining momentum.
Representing the contractor, Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Simeon Omale, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule. “CGC is committed to completing this project, and we assure you we will meet the stipulated deadline,” he said, projecting full completion by 2027.
The media tour also included an inspection of the Jabbi–Lamba Road, one of the Renewed Hope intervention projects in the state. The contractor, Messrs Decency Associates Ltd, described the road as vital to communities along the corridor, revealing that work had reached about 40 per cent completion. The project, awarded on December 30, 2024, is expected to be delivered within the next three to four months.
Professional bodies monitoring the projects expressed satisfaction with the quality of execution. Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Adamawa State branch, Professor Bashiru Aliyu, said the level of progress and workmanship met professional standards. He noted that, as a native of the area, he was particularly pleased that the project had advanced faster than expected.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria in Adamawa State, Engr. Wasinda Jonathan, commended the intervention, affirming that the regulatory body was satisfied with the standard and quality of work delivered.
In addition to ongoing projects, the Ministry also commissioned the rehabilitated Doctors’ Quarters Road in Yola, one of the 260 completed Emergency and Special Intervention Projects executed by Clinton Enterprise Ltd. The road, located within the Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone, has significantly improved living conditions by addressing persistent flooding and enhancing access.
Speaking at the commissioning on behalf of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Correspondents’ Chapel in Adamawa State, Comrade Ibrahim Kado, highlighted the impact of the project on residents.
“This road has improved living conditions in the area by reducing flooding, easing the flow of people and goods, and increasing the value of properties in the neighbourhood,” he said, while commending the Federal Government for delivering critical infrastructure.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers also noted that roads leading to residential quarters previously prone to flooding were now in good condition, greatly improving movement and accessibility.
Residents expressed appreciation for the intervention, with community representative Malam Jubril Mohammed Iliasu describing the project as life-changing.
“We are no longer afraid of the rainy season,” he said, expressing gratitude for the government’s timely response.
The Ministry said the projects form part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s road network, boost economic activities, and improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.
