By Olayinka Ganiyu
The federal government has officially commenced reconstruction of the long-neglected Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway, in what officials are billing as a landmark infrastructure project for Nigeria’s North-east region.
The flag-off ceremony took place in Gombe on Thursday, with Minister of Works David Umahi describing the project as a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal agenda – though for many residents along the corridor, the announcement carried the weight of déjà vu.
Contracts for the highway have been awarded and abandoned multiple times over the decades. The most recent effort came in 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, when rehabilitation work was reportedly awarded at N27.23 billion only to stall, leaving the road in a state of serious disrepair and deepening frustration among commuters, traders and transport operators who depend on it daily.
This time, Umahi said, will be different. The 125-kilometre dual carriageway forms part of a broader 420-kilometre corridor running from Akwanga in Nasarawa State through Plateau and Bauchi states to Borno, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of the fourth phase of Tinubu’s legacy road projects. The government says it has adopted reinforced concrete pavement technology to improve durability and cut long-term maintenance costs.
“This project is not just about constructing a road, it is about connecting communities, creating economic opportunities and opening up the region for greater development,” Umahi said at the ceremony.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya welcomed the development as a breakthrough for the region, pledging full state government support for its completion. He said a functioning highway would ease trade, improve mobility and contribute to security along the route.
If delivered, the highway would serve as a vital link between Gombe, southern Borno and Maiduguri, cutting travel times and reducing the cost of moving goods across the North-east.
For now, however, residents are measured in their enthusiasm. Many who have watched similar ceremonies come and go without lasting results say they will reserve judgment until construction is visibly and consistently underway. The road’s history of broken promises has made the region’s communities cautious and the government’s real test will be not in the fanfare of a flag-off, but in the kilometres of road that follow it.
Tags: #President Bola Ahmed Tinubu #Muhammadu Yahaya #David Umahi