Tinubu Launches Work on Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri Highway After Years of Delays

Many people living, driving, and trading in the North-east have heard promises like this before. Contracts for the Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri highway were awarded and re-awarded many times, but the road is still in bad shape. Commuters face dangerous and tiring trips.

Now, the federal government says it wants to change this situation.

On Thursday, the government officially started the long-awaited rebuilding of the highway in Gombe. They called the project an important part of President Bola Tinubu’s plan to improve infrastructure.

This highway connects Gombe, southern Borno, and Maiduguri. Despite many contracts given over the years, it has been allowed to fall apart.

PREMIUM TIMES noted that one major attempt to fix the road happened in 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The project was awarded for N27.23 billion, but it was abandoned. This left many parts of the road in terrible shape, causing anger among drivers.

During the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, spoke about the importance of the project. He assured the people that the Tinubu government is committed to building good infrastructure that lasts.

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

Mr Umahi shared that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the road project. It is now part of the fourth phase of President Tinubu’s legacy road projects, which are meant to improve transport across Nigeria.

“This project is not just about building a road; it is about connecting communities, creating jobs, and opening up the area for better development,” the minister explained.

He added that the federal government will use reinforced concrete for the project. This will make it stronger and reduce the need for repairs later on.

Mr Umahi expressed trust in the contractor for the project. He believes the company has shown it can do the work well and meet all the requirements.

He defended the government’s push for better infrastructure. He said the ongoing road projects show President Tinubu’s dedication to fixing long-standing issues with infrastructure.

“The road network is key for economic growth. Our goal is to build infrastructure that helps business, improves movement, and enhances lives,” he said.

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

He pointed out that the road has been a worry for locals, transporters, and businesses because of its poor state and safety risks.

“The rebuilding of this highway will greatly improve transport, help trade, and boost economic activities in the area,” the governor said.

Mr Yahaya thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and promised that the Gombe State Government would support it fully to ensure it gets finished.

He is hopeful that the highway will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve safety by making it easier for communities along the route to access services.

Many residents, who have seen past promises go unfulfilled, watched the recent flag-off ceremony with cautious hope.

Traders, drivers, and daily commuters wish this project will finally end the hardship caused by failed contracts and abandoned works.

If the Gombe, Biu, Maiduguri highway is completed as planned, it should become a key transport route. This will cut travel time, lower costs for moving goods, and strengthen economic connections in the North-East.

For now, though, many residents say they will judge the project by the actual construction, not just the ceremony that started it. This reflects the disappointment from earlier failed contracts and promises.