The Federal Government has flagged off Phase II of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State, reaffirming its commitment to delivering critical infrastructure aimed at boosting economic growth, improving regional connectivity and accelerating national development.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the project was inaugurated on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Professor Yilwatda described the road as a strategic investment that will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, promote tourism and cultural development, and strengthen regional integration. He noted that the project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s nationwide infrastructure renewal programme spanning the six geopolitical zones.
He explained that the road is of immense national importance as it links the North Central, North East, South East and, by extension, the South-South geopolitical zones. He urged the contractor, Messrs Decency Associates (Nigeria) Limited, to deliver the project on schedule while maintaining the highest construction standards.
The APC National Chairman also highlighted the historical significance of the area as the birthplace of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the late Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State, Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk. He appealed to the contractor to prioritise the employment of local residents throughout the construction period.
Professor Yilwatda assured the Plateau State Government that he would personally convey the appreciation of the people to President Tinubu, adding that he had a personal interest in seeing the road completed because it had remained in a deplorable condition since 1975.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Engr. Senator David Umahi, expressed gratitude to the Ngas people for conferring on him a prestigious traditional title, saying the honour had made him a son of the soil. He pledged to give the project special attention until its successful completion.
The minister said the Tinubu administration had recorded significant achievements in road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda and welcomed constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and service delivery. He, however, cautioned against baseless attacks, stressing that objective public scrutiny strengthens accountability.
Engr. Umahi described the administration’s four Legacy Road Projects as transformative initiatives capable of driving economic prosperity, describing them as bold interventions unmatched by previous administrations. He also described President Tinubu as a visionary leader committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country.
“The changing landscape of Nigeria’s road sector is a clear manifestation of a government that truly cares for the present and future of its citizens,” the minister said, adding that no region could legitimately claim marginalisation in the distribution of road and bridge projects because the President remained committed to serving all Nigerians.
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for prioritising critical infrastructure projects nationwide. He described the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road as a landmark intervention that would stimulate economic activities, reduce travel time, improve connectivity and unlock fresh investment opportunities across Plateau State and neighbouring regions.
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s intervention and quoted a Hausa proverb, “Mai hakuri zai dafa dutse ya sha romonsa,” meaning patience brings rewarding outcomes.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Honourable Akin Alabi, pledged continued legislative support, adequate funding and effective oversight to sustain road infrastructure development nationwide.
Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Senator Simon Lalong, also commended President Tinubu for extending major infrastructure projects to Plateau State and the North Central region, assuring the administration of the people’s continued support.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the traditional title Ngorot Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas) on Engr. Umahi by the paramount ruler of Ngas Land, Ngolong Ngas, His Majesty Nde Jika, in recognition of the minister’s contributions to infrastructure development in the area.
The Babban Lamba–Sharam Road Phase II covers 38.625 kilometres from Babban-Dungun Village to Sharam, with an additional two-kilometre spur linking Dungun to Kwai. The Federal Government said the project forms part of its broader commitment to delivering durable, safe and accessible road infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth and national development.
