The Federal Government on Thursday has officially flagged off the Gombe‒Biu
Super Highway, a critical segment of the ambitious Akwanga‒Jos‒Bauchi‒Gombe‒Biu‒ Maiduguri Dualization Project.
The event, held in Gombe State, saw the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration to overcome Nigeria’s security challenges while delivering transformative infrastructure.
Minister Umahi lauded the project as a testament to the President ‘s unwavering commitment to national unity and infrastructure development.
He particularly commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his remarkable achievements in Gombe State, stating, “I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state.
“I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria.”
The Minister revealed that the scope of the Gombe-Biu section had been expanded following requests from the state government, with construction activities set to commence swiftly.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this
highway,” Umahi assured residents.
This section is part of the approximately 700- kilometre Fourth Legacy Project, a vital artery connecting Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu, and Maiduguri.
The contract for the Gombe-Biu section was awarded to HITECH Construction Company after a rigorous procurement process, outcompeting five other firms.
Addressing the nation’s persistent security concerns, Minister Umahi emphasized the need to depoliticize security issues. “Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized.
Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened
insecurity?” he questioned, asserting that the Tinubu administration would resolve these challenges through collective effort.
He highlighted President Tinubu’s leadership in stabilizing key economic sectors, noting, “The macroeconomy is stabilized, 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, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty.”
The Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in his speech, hailed the project as one of most significant infrastructure investments in Gombe State’s history.
He expressed profound gratitude to
President Tinubu and the Minister of Works, noting the widespread jubilation among the populace.
The Governor emphasized the project’s alignment with the state’s livestock and
agricultural industrial zone initiative, projecting it as a major catalyst for economic growth, trade, and investment.
He also guaranteed the security of personnel and equipment throughout the project’s duration.
Engr. Dany Abboud, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, pledged to deliver the project to the highest international standards and committed to creating employment opportunities for host communities, especially the youth.
Support for the project and the administration was echoed by legislative leaders. Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, urged Nigerians to support the President Tinubu.
Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, commended the Executive-Legislative partnership and HITECH’s proven track record.
The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III, also
expressed appreciation and pledged full community support, ensuring a peaceful
environment for construction.