By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major segment of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to an official signed statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), Francis Nwaze, the flag-off ceremony was held in Gombe State on Thursday, where the Minister described the project as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth and national integration.
Umahi commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for what he described as remarkable infrastructural transformation and development across the state, noting that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe–Biu section in response to requests from the state government.
He assured residents that construction activities would commence immediately, stating that visible work would begin on the highway within the next 30 days.
The Minister explained that the Gombe–Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri, adding that the contract was awarded to HITECH Construction Company after a competitive procurement process involving six firms.
Addressing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, Umahi urged Nigerians not to politicize security issues, warning that attempts to exploit insecurity for political gains would ultimately fail.
He maintained that President Tinubu had demonstrated strong leadership in stabilizing critical sectors of the economy and expressed confidence that the administration would also succeed in restoring lasting peace and security nationwide.
The Minister noted that despite current challenges, key economic indicators were showing signs of improvement as a result of ongoing reforms, adding that the government remained committed to addressing insecurity through sustained efforts and collaboration among stakeholders.
Umahi further described President Tinubu as a leader with the political will to execute projects that had remained unrealized for decades, citing the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor as examples of longstanding national projects now being actualized under the current administration.
In his remarks, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the dualization project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for bringing the project to fruition.
The governor said the highway would complement the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative by connecting critical economic activities to modern transport infrastructure, thereby creating new opportunities for trade, investment and job creation.
He assured the Federal Government, contractors and stakeholders of the state’s full support throughout the implementation of the project, including the provision of adequate security for personnel, equipment and construction activities.
Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, pledged that the company would deliver the project in line with international standards and mobilize all necessary resources to ensure timely completion.
He also promised that the project would create employment opportunities for members of host communities, particularly youths.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and urged Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to transform the country.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in delivering critical infrastructure projects, while commending HITECH Construction Company for its track record of quality work, timely project delivery and positive engagement with host communities.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for the project.
The monarch assured contractors of the full support of the people of the emirate and pledged a peaceful and conducive environment for the successful execution of the highway project.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Anthony Yaro, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye, members of the National Assembly, government officials, traditional rulers, representatives of HITECH Construction Company and other stakeholders from across the country.
