FG releases N111bn for Akwanga–Jos superhighway

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has released the sum of ₦111 billion for the construction of 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.

Disclosing this at the weekend, during the commissioning of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Borno superhighway, in Nasarawa State, Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that the president’s instructions were that the funds be released to the CGOC–CGC Joint Venture, to commence construction immediately.

“Let me announce that the president has approved the immediate release of N111 billion to this contractor for an immediate takeoff.

The Minister of Finance sent me a letter and said: ‘Please, give us the original documents of the president’s approval so that we can pay.’ So, hold him responsible because he’s going to be paid this week,” he assured.

To underscore the strategic importance of the highway and the urgency attached to its delivery, Tinubu described the project as a major step in the administration’s drive to strengthen road infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic development.

In his remarks, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who represented the president, said that the superhighway is one of the administration’s four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects aimed at transforming Nigeria’s transport network.

Tinubu noted that the road is a legacy project approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and constructed in sections.

“In section 1, phase 1 of the Akwanga-Maiduguri-Superhighway, is a 125-kilometer stretch spanning from Akwanga-Kaduna-Jos, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states, as part of the larger 700-kilometer Akwanga-Maiduguri-Superhighway, cutting across five states – Northeastern states of the country as follows.

“Akwanga-Kaduna-Jos, 125 kilometers; Jos-Bauchi, 135 kilometers; Bauchi-Gombe, 162 kilometers; Gombe-Biu, 125 kilometers; Biu to Maiduguri, 188 kilometers, spanning 700 kilometers in all. They are both distances connecting communities, cities, from one of the most important inland passages in the country,” he said.