President Tinubu flags off N1.245tn Gombe-Biu Highway dualisation project
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 125-kilometre Gombe-Biu Highway, a project valued at N1.245 trillion, as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development drive under its “Year of Action” agenda.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Liji in Gombe State, was performed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya alongside the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who represented the president. The project will be executed by Hi-Tech Construction Company using rigid pavement technology.
Speaking at the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the highway as a critical economic and social corridor linking the North-East to other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries. He said the project would boost trade, transportation, security and regional integration.
The governor commended President Tinubu for approving the project, noting that the road was originally constructed in 1962 and resurfaced in 1976 but had suffered years of neglect despite its strategic importance. He pledged the state government’s support to ensure timely delivery of the project.
“We will work closely with the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the contractors to ensure timely delivery of this project according to the highest standards so that it will serve generations to come,” Yahaya said.
In his remarks, Umahi described the dualisation project as President Tinubu’s “Sallah gift” to the people of Gombe, Borno and the wider North-East region. He also praised Governor Yahaya for his infrastructural development efforts and impactful leadership in the state.
The minister disclosed that the scope of the project would be expanded from 125 kilometres to 139 kilometres following the governor’s request to align the road through the Northern Bypass instead of the township route, a move aimed at improving traffic flow and economic activities.
Also speaking, lawmakers and traditional rulers at the event commended President Tinubu for approving the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while the Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, Mr Danny Abboud, assured that the road would be delivered according to specifications and within the agreed timeline.
