FG flags off Gombe–Biu highway, Umahi warns against politicising insecurity

The Federal Government has officially flagged off the dualisation of the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major segment of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Corridor, with Works Minister David Umahi expressing confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Gombe on Thursday, Umahi said the project reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, national integration and economic growth, while cautioning against the politicisation of insecurity.

He argued that security issues should not be exploited for political gains, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and stability across the country.

Sunday said that the statement was issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works (Media), and sent to BusinessDay.

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According to the minister, the current administration has already recorded progress in stabilising critical sectors of the economy and is equally determined to address security concerns through sustained efforts and collaboration among stakeholders.

Umahi described the Gombe–Biu road as a strategic component of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri.

He disclosed that the scope of the project was expanded following requests from the Gombe State Government and assured residents that construction activities would commence fully within the next 30 days.

The minister said the contract was awarded to HITECH Construction Company after a competitive procurement process involving several firms.

Highlighting the significance of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi noted that several projects conceived decades ago are now being executed, citing the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor as examples.

He also commended Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State, for what he described as a remarkable infrastructural transformation across the state.

In his remarks, Yahaya described the dualisation project as one of the most significant federal infrastructure investments ever undertaken in Gombe State.

The governor said the project would complement the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative by improving connectivity, facilitating trade and attracting investments.

He added that the road would serve as a catalyst for economic development and create new opportunities for businesses and communities along the corridor.

Yahaya assured the Federal Government and contractors of the state’s full support, including adequate security for personnel, equipment and project facilities throughout the construction period.

Also speaking, Dany Abboud, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, pledged that the firm would deliver the project in line with international standards.

Abboud said the company would deploy the necessary resources to ensure timely completion while creating employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s road network.

Similarly, Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Alabi also commended HITECH Construction Company for its track record in project delivery and engagement with host communities.

Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, expressed appreciation to the President, the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for bringing the project to the state.

The traditional ruler pledged the support of communities within the Yamaltu Emirate, through which a significant portion of the highway passes, assuring contractors of a peaceful environment throughout the execution of the project.

Other dignitaries at the event included Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator representing Ebonyi North; Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central; Anthony Yaro, Senator representing Gombe South; Usman Banye, Vice Chairman of the
House Committee on Works; Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Development (South-East); government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the country.

The project is expected to improve transportation, strengthen regional economic integration and enhance connectivity between the North-Central and North-East regions of the country.