Gombe pushes FG to fast track Gombe–Biu superhighway, meets Umahi

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has intensified efforts to secure Federal Government intervention on critical road projects, seeking faster implementation of the Gombe–Biu axis of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Super Highway.

The governor made the demand during a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Monday in Abuja, where both officials reviewed major road projects considered critical to Gombe State and the wider North-East.

At the centre of the discussion was the Gombe–Biu axis of the superhighway, which was recently approved and flagged off by the Federal Government.

Governor Yahaya urged the Ministry of Works to sustain momentum on the project following the groundbreaking ceremony, stressing the importance of timely construction to improving connectivity, stimulating economic activities and opening up agricultural and commercial opportunities across the region.

The governor has consistently advocated the early commencement of the Gombe–Biu section, including during the recent visit of Minister Umahi to Gombe, where the minister joined the governor and members of the National Assembly to perform the groundbreaking ceremony.

A major component of the governor’s latest request is the consideration of Northern and Southern bypasses for Gombe metropolis.

According to the governor, the proposed bypasses would provide strategic links to the Gombe–Biu corridor, ease congestion on existing roads within the state capital and improve the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods.

Responding, Umahi described the Gombe–Biu axis as a priority project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring the governor that his request regarding the proposed commencement point would be considered as construction begins in earnest.

The minister also expressed confidence in the capacity of Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, describing the firm as one of the competent companies with experience in executing major infrastructure projects.

Umahi further acknowledged Governor Yahaya’s persistent advocacy for federal intervention on strategic roads across Gombe and the North-East.

He specifically cited the Gombe–Bajoga–Potiskum, Gombe–Dukku–Darazo and Gombe–Bauchi corridors, which he said remained important to strengthening regional connectivity.

The minister also commended the governor’s development efforts, saying his recent visit to Gombe gave him a deeper appreciation of the level of infrastructure development taking place in the state.

“Since my visit to Gombe, I have become like your ambassador. Anywhere I go, I talk about your state and the developmental strides I have witnessed,” Umahi said.

He assured the governor that the Federal Government remained committed to delivering the Gombe–Biu project, expressing optimism that its completion would significantly improve transportation and economic activities across the region.

For Gombe State, the strategic road network is considered vital to connecting farming communities with markets, linking commercial centres and improving access to neighbouring states and major economic hubs across the North-East.

The governor’s latest engagement with the Works Ministry is therefore aimed at securing sustained federal attention to the projects and ensuring that critical road corridors translate into improved economic opportunities for residents of the state and the wider region.