FG Flags Off ₦111 Billion Akwanga-jos Superhighway As Tinubu Unveils Legacy Infrastructure Project
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of the first section of the Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describing the project as a key component of his administration’s legacy infrastructure agenda.
The first phase of the project covers 125 kilometres, stretching through Akwanga, Kaduna and Jos, and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway designed to improve connectivity across several states in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, President Tinubu, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the project would strengthen regional integration, facilitate commerce, improve security operations and unlock economic opportunities along the corridor.
According to the President, the superhighway is one of four strategic legacy road projects initiated by his administration to connect major economic hubs across the country.
“Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu and Maiduguri are not just names on a route; they are communities, markets, state capitals, commercial centres, agricultural zones, security passages and gateways into one of Nigeria’s most strategic regions.
“Recognising the strategic importance of this corridor, the Federal Government has approved its complete reconstruction using modern engineering technology,” Tinubu stated.
The President disclosed that the highway would feature a 12-metre-wide carriageway constructed with Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, reinforced with high-tensile steel to ensure durability and reduce the frequency of road failures.
He added that the project would also include modern drainage systems, bridges and other hydraulic infrastructure to enhance its lifespan and functionality.
Tinubu further announced that mobilisation had already commenced for the Gombe section of the highway, extending towards Maiduguri.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the project would be financed through a 70 per cent foreign funding arrangement, with the Federal Government providing the remaining 30 per cent as counterpart funding.
Umahi revealed that the Federal Executive Council had approved ₦111 billion as mobilisation funds for the commencement of construction, while noting that the project would be executed by China Geo-Engineering Corporation.
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to gradually replacing asphalt with concrete pavement technology for major highway projects, arguing that concrete roads offer greater durability and lower maintenance costs.
In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a landmark intervention that would significantly enhance transportation, agriculture, trade and economic development across the northern region.
Governor Sule also attributed improved financial capacity among states to the Federal Government’s economic reforms, noting that Nasarawa State’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had increased substantially.
“Before, we used to receive about ₦3.5 billion monthly from FAAC, but today we receive over ₦13 billion. This has enabled us to embark on critical infrastructure projects without borrowing,” the governor said.
He expressed confidence that the completion of the superhighway would improve the movement of goods and people, stimulate agricultural production and deepen regional economic integration.
The Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is expected to serve as a major transport and economic corridor, linking several commercial centres and improving access to communities across the North-Central and North-East regions of Nigeria.
