Taraba’s Strategic Border Road Gains Momentum as Kefas Pushes 2027 Delivery

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Governor Agbu Kefas has signalled a renewed push to unlock cross-border trade and security in northeastern Nigeria, following an on-site inspection of the 35-kilometre Gembu–Mbamga–Yang–Lip road project in Sardauna Local Government Area.

The project, which serves as a critical link between Nigeria and Cameroon, is now projected for completion by June 2027, with the governor expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of work.

During Thursday’s inspection, Kefas—accompanied by senior government officials—trekked parts of the construction corridor in Gembu, headquarters of the Mambilla Plateau, assessing key components including drainage systems, laterite filling, and culvert installations already executed.

“This is more than a state road; it is an আন্তর্জাতিক corridor that will reshape trade and movement between Nigeria and Cameroon,” Kefas told journalists, framing the project as a strategic economic artery rather than just infrastructure.

Originally conceived as a Federal Government intervention to open up the agrarian-rich Mambilla highlands, the road traverses major farming belts known for tea, coffee, and livestock production. For decades, poor access has constrained the region’s economic potential and cross-border commerce.

Kefas credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for prioritising the long-neglected corridor, describing the development as a shift in federal infrastructure focus toward Taraba State.

Beyond construction progress, the governor raised concerns about sustainability and local impact, urging host communities to take ownership of the project by safeguarding equipment and preventing disruptions.

He also pressed the contractor to deliver social infrastructure, including a primary school and healthcare centre, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Responding, Resource Manager of the construction firm, Legacy Matthew, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the 2027 deadline, noting that weather patterns and the challenging terrain had been factored into execution plans.

Supporting the governor’s stance, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, described the road as a “game changer” for the Mambilla Plateau, pledging continued state backing, particularly in security and community engagement.

At the grassroots level, Sardauna LGA Chairman, Umar Mohammed, highlighted the long-standing demand for a reliable route to the Cameroon border, promising intensified sensitisation efforts to curb vandalism and encroachment.

When completed, the road is expected to slash travel time from Gembu to the Lip border from over three hours to under 45 minutes—an improvement that could significantly boost trade in cattle, Irish potatoes, and tea, while strengthening economic ties across the Nigeria-Cameroon corridor.