The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of Section One of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway while also commissioning the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass in Nasarawa State, in a move aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and regional economic integration.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Abdullahi, the groundbreaking ceremony, held on July 1, 2026, in Akwanga, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Representing the President at the event, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the superhighway as one of the President’s four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects designed to transform Nigeria’s transportation network, strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East geopolitical zones.
He noted that the first phase of the project spans approximately 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre, six-lane, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) superhighway traversing Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
The President’s representative commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, for his leadership in transforming the nation’s road infrastructure, describing him as “the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works said the superhighway represents a landmark investment that would improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create employment opportunities and unlock the economic potential of the region.
Umahi explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four legacy highway corridors being executed simultaneously by the Federal Government alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Superhighway.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement technology, noting that the road would have a lifespan of up to 100 years with reduced maintenance costs. He also urged the contractor to deliver quality work while prioritising local employment, skills acquisition and technology transfer.
During the event, the President’s representative also commissioned the Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass constructed by the Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, CON, commending the governor for complementing the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive through strategic road investments.
In his welcome address, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., described the superhighway as a critical transportation corridor that would enhance trade, agriculture, investment and national security by linking the North-Central and North-East regions.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris, said the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic reforms were yielding tangible benefits nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that infrastructure investments are being complemented by programmes supporting businesses, women and youth.
Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic national corridor that would connect communities, boost commerce and attract investments across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described the commencement of the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people, commending the Federal Government for translating its promise into reality.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, said the project marked a new era in highway development in Nigeria and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to quality delivery, transparency and value for money.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government and stakeholders that the company would execute the project safely, professionally, on schedule and in line with international standards and best practices.
The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure that would strengthen national unity, promote inclusive economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
