By John Alechenu
ABUJA — The Federal Government on Thursday flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a key section of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualisation Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressing confidence that security challenges in the country would be overcome under President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi made the remarks during the ceremony in Gombe, describing the project as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and national unity. He also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what he described as the transformation of Gombe State.
The minister’s comments were contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, in Abuja.
“I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as Governor of Gombe State. 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 state government and assured residents that construction would commence within 30 days.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway,” he stated.
The Gombe–Biu section, awarded to HITECH Construction after a competitive procurement process, forms part of the Federal Government’s Fourth Legacy Project.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Umahi cautioned against politicising security challenges, especially during election periods.
“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 said.
The minister expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would address insecurity just as it had made progress in stabilising the economy.
“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,” Umahi added.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor, as examples of long-conceived projects being executed under the current administration.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yahaya described the highway as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Gombe State’s history, noting its strategic importance to the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone.
“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,” he said.
The governor assured the Federal Government and HITECH Construction of adequate security for personnel and equipment throughout the project’s duration.
HITECH Managing Director, Engr. Dany Abboud, pledged to deliver the project to international standards and create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly youths.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, commended the administration’s infrastructure drive and urged Nigerians to support ongoing development efforts.
Traditional rulers led by the Mai Tangle, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, also pledged the support of their communities for the successful execution of the project.
Other dignitaries at the event included Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Ede Dafinone and Anthony Yaro, members of the House of Representatives, traditional rulers and senior government officials.
