FG constructing 61 roads across North-Central, says Tinubu

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is constructing 61 roads across the six states of the North-Central geopolitical zone.

Speaking at the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba-Sharam Phase II Road in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, he said five projects had been completed, 25 major road projects were ongoing and 31 emergency road projects were under construction across the zone.

Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the region as crucial to his government’s development agenda.

According to him, the projects reflected the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in a region that had previously received limited federal intervention.

He added that the projects form part of an integrated national road network linking the North West, North East, North Central, South South, South East and South West.

“Every region of Nigeria is linked through these four major legacy projects of this administration. This has never been done before. It represents the largest road infrastructure programme in the history of our country.

“Our economic reforms are improving governance. GDP is rising, foreign reserves are stronger and key economic indicators are moving in the right direction. Nigeria’s investment outlook has also improved significantly,” he said.

Tinubu stated that increased revenue generated through the administration’s reforms has enabled many states to execute projects without depending heavily on borrowing.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the North Central currently has the largest road infrastructure programme under the Tinubu administration and noted that Plateau State’s vast solid mineral deposits present enormous economic opportunities.

Yilwatda alao urged politicians to offer constructive criticism rather than attacking the President.

“If you want to criticise the President based on what I am doing, criticise me, not the President. Leave the President out of it. He deserves your support and your votes. If you must criticise, do it constructively,” he said.