The Federal Government on Thursday flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway in Gombe State, with Works Minister David Umahi insisting that President Bola Tinubu would overcome the country's security challenges.
Umahi made the comments during the ceremony for the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualisation Project. He described the road as proof of Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure and national unity, and praised Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for transforming the state.
"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.
The Gombe–Biu section, awarded to HITECH Construction, will begin in 30 days, the minister promised. He said the scope was expanded after the state government requested it, and construction crews would soon mobilise to site. The project forms part of the Federal Government's Fourth Legacy Project.
Umahi took aim at those who politicise security matters, particularly around elections. "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.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu would fix insecurity just as the administration had stabilised 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.
The minister pointed to major projects already underway, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor, as evidence of the administration's infrastructure commitment.
Governo Yahaya called the highway one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Gombe'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.
Yahaya assured the Federal Government and HITECH Construction of adequate security for personnel and equipment throughout the project. HITECH Managing Director Engr. Dany Abboud pledged to deliver the project to international standards and create employment for youths in host communities.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, commended the infrastructure drive and urged Nigerians to support ongoing development efforts.
Traditional rulers led by Mai Tangle Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III also pledged community support for the project's execution. The flagoff also saw the attendance of Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Ede Dafinone and Anthony Yaro, among other dignitaries.
