GOMBE – The Federal Government on Thursday officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a critical segment of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualisation Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressing confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would overcome the nation’s security challenges.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Gombe, Umahi described the highway project as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth, and national integration.
The minister also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what he termed the remarkable transformation of Gombe State, praising the governor’s developmental strides across the state.
“I am very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I am very proud to have you as Governor of Gombe State, and very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria,” Umahi said.
He disclosed that the scope of the Gombe–Biu section was expanded following requests from the Gombe State Government and assured residents that construction activities would commence within the next 30 days.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway,” he assured.
According to the minister, the Gombe–Biu Super Highway was awarded to HITECH Construction after a competitive procurement process and forms part of the Federal Government’s Fourth Legacy Project.
Addressing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, Umahi cautioned against politicising security challenges, particularly during election seasons.
“Security should not be politicised. It should not be weaponised. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about the nation’s future, Umahi said the Tinubu administration had already made significant progress in stabilising the economy and would achieve similar success in tackling insecurity.
“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilise the boat in so many directions. The macroeconomy is stabilised, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President,” he said.
The minister further highlighted several landmark infrastructure projects currently being executed by the Federal Government, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor, noting that many of these projects had remained unrealised for decades before the current administration.
In his remarks, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the highway as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Gombe State’s history, emphasizing its strategic importance to the state’s agricultural and livestock economy.
“The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history,” the governor said.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the project, noting that it would enhance connectivity, boost commerce, and accelerate economic development across the region.
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