How Akwanga–Maiduguri Highway Will Transform Northern Economy – Gombe Governor

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has described the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Super Highway as a transformative infrastructure project capable of unlocking Northern Nigeria’s economic potential through improved trade, connectivity and investment.

Speaking on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the highway in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Governor Yahaya said the project would significantly accelerate economic activities, reduce travel time, enhance security and create jobs while linking markets, businesses and communities across several geopolitical zones.

“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. Beyond providing a modern road network, it will facilitate trade, reduce travel time, enhance security, create jobs and connect markets, businesses and communities across several geopolitical zones,” the governor said.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who said the highway aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to delivering infrastructure that promotes economic growth, national unity and improved living standards.

Governor Yahaya commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure as a catalyst for national development, describing the super highway as a legacy investment that would strengthen regional integration and expand economic opportunities across Northern Nigeria.

Officials said the project aimed to link Nigeria’s coastal, savannah, and Sahel corridors to improve the movement of people and goods. The Federal Government had recently flagged off the Gombe–Biu section of the same highway.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the road would be constructed to the highest engineering standards, improve logistics, ease the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, reduce transportation costs, and open new economic frontiers along the corridor.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the Akwanga underpass and other key legacy projects within the corridor in Nassarawa State, praising Governor Abdullahi Sule for what it described as “extraordinary” infrastructure delivery that has eased years of traffic gridlock for residents and commuters.

Represented by the national chairman of the All. Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, and Tinubu commended Governor Sule for completing the project in “the shortest possible time,” noting that the link axis was previously notorious for severe congestion, especially during festive periods.

The President also highlighted ongoing infrastructure works in Karu, describing Governor Sule’s efforts as extraordinary in expanding road networks and providing amenities across the state.

“I came through Karu. I saw what you are doing in Karu—so extraordinary. Great job you’re doing in terms of road network and other things you are doing to provide amenities for your people,” he added.

Linking the project to the administration’s national agenda, the President said the road aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” to deliver critical infrastructure nationwide.

He stressed that the Federal Government is undertaking similar projects not only in the North, but across the entire country, with a focus on roads that will last for over 100 years and support a $1 trillion economy.

“Mr President is building infrastructure that will carry a $1 trillion economy. That’s what Mr President is doing. And thank you for complimenting the Minister of Works. You’ve done exactly what the Minister of Works is doing in other states,” he stated.

The President Tinubu said he is of Governor Sule, listing him among governors performing very well nationwide.

Speaking earlier, the Governor commended President Tinubu for economic reforms, which he said are powering infrastructure growth in the state.

He described Akwanga as a hub connecting the eastern part to Abuja, adding that rural roads across Nasarawa are also being built to support agriculture, mining, and fishing.

The governor stressed that all projects were executed without borrowing one naira from any bank.

He credited FX unification, subsidy removal, and the VAT increase from 7.5% to 10% for raising Nasarawa’s monthly federal allocation from ₦3.5–4bn in 2019 to ₦13–15bn today. “That is what has made it possible that we are carrying out all these projects,” he said.

Pointing to political support, Sule predicted Tinubu would win 70–80% in Nasarawa, citing a recent bye-election in which the APC scored 45,000 votes against 12,000 and 11,000 for the next parties.

“Combined, they’re only 50% of what we have in the APC. It is the fact that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working,” he said.