By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday launched the fourth and final Legacy Highway Project under his Renewed Hope Agenda, flagging off the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway with the immediate release of N111 billion to commence construction.
The President performed the groundbreaking for the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos Section One of the highway in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, describing the project as a strategic investment that will connect Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, strengthen national integration and accelerate economic growth.
Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu said the superhighway would improve connectivity, enhance road safety, facilitate trade and create thousands of jobs across the North-Central and North-East.
“I am highly delighted to commence the construction of the fourth Legacy Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This project represents our commitment to building infrastructure that will unite our country and stimulate economic prosperity,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the new superhighway complements other ongoing legacy road projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan Route, which are at different stages of construction.
He disclosed that construction on Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States has reached about 20 per cent completion, while Sections 4A and 4B are about five per cent completed.
On the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, he said work has progressed to 40 per cent in Sokoto, 60 per cent in Kebbi and 18 per cent in Ogun State, while mobilisation has commenced in Oyo State.
The President directed governors of states along the highway corridor to preserve adequate setbacks to accommodate future expansion and supporting infrastructure.
He also urged contractors handling the projects to prioritise local content by creating jobs, transferring skills and building the capacity of Nigerian workers.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, announced that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N111 billion to the CGOC-CGC Joint Venture to begin construction.
“Let me announce that Mr President has approved the immediate release of N111 billion to the contractor for take-off. The payment process has already commenced, and the contractor will receive the funds this week,” Umahi said.
The minister formally handed over the project site to the contractor and expressed confidence that the highway would be delivered on schedule.
He explained that the 700-kilometre superhighway stretches from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, southern Yobe and Biu before terminating in Maiduguri.
According to him, the road forms part of four interconnected Legacy Highway Projects designed to link Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and improve national connectivity.
“The significance of this project is that the four Legacy Highway Projects of President Bola Tinubu are connecting the entire country through the six geopolitical zones. This demonstrates fairness, equity and national integration,” Umahi said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government would provide 30 per cent counterpart funding, while the remaining 70 per cent would be financed through foreign loans.
Umahi also invited contractors with access to international financing to bid for the remaining sections of the highway.
Reaffirming the ministry’s road construction policy, the minister said reinforced concrete pavement technology would remain the preferred option for major federal highways because of its durability and lower maintenance costs.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway as one of President Tinubu’s four flagship Legacy Highway Projects designed to expand commerce, improve connectivity and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, described the commencement of the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region, commending the Federal Government for translating its promise into action.
The Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang, assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the company would deliver the project safely, professionally and in line with international standards within the agreed timeline.
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