‘Work In Progress On Mambila Plateau Road In Taraba’

The Federal Ministry of Works has concluded a National Media Tour of the North-East with an inspection of ongoing road projects on the Mambila Plateau in Sardauna local government and in other parts of Taraba State.

The projects inspected include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Bali – Serti – Gashaka – Gembu road and the construction of the Gembu-Mbamnga-Yang-Lip road, which links Nigeria to the Cameroon border.

The government embarked on the inspection to expedite work, due to its strategic, historical and economic importance between the two countries.

Communities in the area had, during the 1961 United Nations plebiscite on the former Northern Cameroons, voted to join Nigeria, a decision that led to the creation of Sardauna Province on June 1, 1961.

The construction of the road was said to have been one of the conditions presented by the communities at the time, but remained unfulfilled for decades.

Speaking during the inspection, the Mbondua of Mbamnga Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sale Mbondu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for renewed federal presence in the area.

He said, the project, if completed will improved trade, tourism, healthcare access, and connectivity across communities on the plateau.

According to the monarch, journeys that previously takes six hours due to the bad state of road and river crossing have been reduced, since the completion of one of the bridges along the route.

“For decades, we were cut off because people crossed rivers with canoes and ferries, and a journey of barely 15 kilometres could take up to six hours.”

Alhaji Mbondu, who described the project as a turning point for the integration of Mbamnga and neighbouring communities into the national economy, said “today, that suffering of the people has come to an end.”

He commended the use of Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, noting that it would ensure durability and longevity of the road.

The Federal Controller of Works in Taraba State, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, said the Gembu-Mbamnga-Yang Road project commenced on January 13, 2025, and is scheduled for completion on July 12, 2027.

He disclosed that, as of January 2026, overall progress stood at 20.76 per cent, with major components ranging between 25 and 30 per cent completion.

“One bridge has been completed, while work is ongoing on a second bridge along the corridor,” Usman said.

He also described the road as a critical transport artery linking the Mambila Plateau to the Cameroon border.

The Zonal Manager of S.C.C Nigeria Limited, Engr. Michael Rolbin, highlighted the challenges posed by the hilly terrain and noted that, extensive slope stabilisation and protective works were being carried out to ensure motorists’ safety.

Representative of the contractor, Mr. Mathew Legacy, said the company remains committed to quality delivery despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and heavy rainfall in the area.

The deputy chairman of Sardauna local government area, Hon. Paul Ngantem, said the project remains vital to economic and social activities on the plateau.

Engr. Usman said the section of the road has largely been asphalted, with road markings and finishing works ongoing.

“Other works along the alignment include construction of retaining walls, installation of crash barriers, and slope protection measures to prevent landslides and rockfalls.”

He added that about 12 kilometres of wearing course and 18 kilometres of binder course have been laid, alongside more than four kilometres of drain-to-drain asphalt shoulders to enhance durability.

The inspection team also visited the 235-kilometre Bali – Serti – Gashaka – Gembu road, being executed by S.C.C. Nigeria Limited, under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme.

The road, which begins at Bali roundabout and stretches to Gembu across lowlands and mountainous terrain, serves as a major access route connecting Taraba State to the Republic of Cameroon.

Although funding of road projects under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme has been halted, presidential approval has been granted for ongoing works to continue while alternative financing options are being considered.

The projects are aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, lowering vehicle maintenance and transportation costs, and enhancing economic activities in the region while minimising road accidents.

The media tour formed part of the federal government’s efforts to showcase infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.