Tinubu Launches Construction of Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri Highway

For many people in the North-east, this announcement sounds all too familiar. Contracts for the Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri highway have been awarded and re-awarded many times over the years, but the road is still in bad shape. Commuters have had to face dangerous and tiring journeys.

Now, the federal government says it wants to change that.

The long-awaited reconstruction of the highway was officially launched in Gombe on Thursday. The federal government called the project a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal plan.

This highway connects Gombe, southern Borno, and Maiduguri. It has been in bad condition for many years, even though several contracts have been given by past governments.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that one of the biggest attempts to fix the road was in 2017 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s time. The project was awarded then for N27.23 billion.

However, that contract was left undone, leaving large parts of the road in terrible shape. This has caused a lot of frustration for road users.

During the flag-off ceremony, Minister of Works David Umahi recognized how important this project is. He assured residents that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to providing quality infrastructure that lasts.

He said the 125-kilometre dual carriageway is part of a larger 420-kilometre corridor. This corridor runs from Akwanga in Nasarawa State through Plateau and Bauchi states to Borno State.

Mr Umahi mentioned that the road project was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of the fourth phase of President Tinubu’s legacy road projects. These projects aim to improve transportation across the country.

“This project is not just about building a road; it is about connecting communities, creating economic opportunities, and opening up the region for more development,” the minister said.

He explained that the federal government will use reinforced concrete pavement technology for this project. This choice is to make the road last longer and cut down on future maintenance costs.

The minister said he trusts the contractor in charge of the project. He believes the company has shown it can meet the requirements to do the job well.

Mr Umahi also defended the administration’s infrastructure plans. He said that ongoing road projects across the country show President Tinubu’s commitment to fixing years of infrastructure problems.

“The road network is the backbone of economic growth. We want to build infrastructure that supports business, improves movement, and enhances the lives of Nigerians,” he added.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State called the start of work on the highway a big win for the North-east.

He pointed out that the road has long been a worry for residents, transporters, and businesses because of its poor state and the dangers of traveling on it.

“The rebuilding of this highway will greatly improve transportation, boost trade, and strengthen economic activity in the region,” the governor said.

Mr Yahaya praised President Tinubu for approving the project. He promised that the Gombe State Government would fully support the project to make sure it is completed successfully.

He feels hopeful that the highway will spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve security by making it easier for communities along its route to access each other.

Many residents, who have seen past promises fade, welcomed the latest flag-off ceremony with careful hope.

Traders, transporters, and commuters who use the road every day are hoping this project will finally end the years of trouble caused by failed contracts, abandoned sites, and worsening road conditions.

If completed as planned, the Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri highway is expected to be an important route. It should cut travel time, lower the cost of moving goods and services, and strengthen economic ties in the North-East.

For now, many residents say they will judge the project not by the launch ceremony but by the actual construction work that follows. This shows the disappointment caused by earlier abandoned contracts and unkept promises.