President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari road, a N178.12 billion federal infrastructure project expected to strengthen trade, reduce transport costs, restore economic activities and deepen investment across one of the state’s strategic agricultural and commercial corridors.
Representing the President at the ground-breaking ceremony in Afaka, the Minister of Works, David Umahi said the project underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to rebuilding strategic infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth, improve national connectivity and support long-term development.
He said the project, which already has more than N100 billion released to accelerate execution, is expected to reconnect Birnin Gwari to major markets after years of insecurity disrupted farming, commerce and the movement of goods and people.
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“The highway links Mando in Kaduna to Birnin Gwari town, which forms a critical segment of the wider Kaduna–Lagos transport corridor, providing a direct route to Nigeria’s commercial capital.”
“The road will be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, a rigid pavement system designed to provide durability with a lifespan estimated at up to 100 years, significantly reducing future maintenance costs while improving transport efficiency.”
Also, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani described the commencement of the project as a major milestone in the administration’s efforts to unlock the economic potential of Birnin Gwari and neighbouring communities, noting that improved security has created the enabling environment for such large-scale investments.
He recalled that the federal government recently approved N178.12 billion for the highway project and released over ₦100 billion to ensure immediate mobilisation to site.
According to the Governor, Birnin Gwari town, which was once regarded as one of the country’s most insecure locations, is witnessing gradual restoration of normal life through sustained security operations and collaboration between the state and federal governments.
He noted that markets that had remained shut for more than a decade are reopening, abandoned farmlands have returned to cultivation, while construction is ongoing on the 36-kilometre Bagoma–Gagumi road to improve rural connectivity.
The Governor disclosed that the ground-breaking ceremony demonstrates the strong partnership between the federal government and Kaduna state in addressing infrastructural deficits while consolidating security gains, adding that improved roads will encourage agricultural production, facilitate commerce and improve access to social services.
“The Kaduna–Birnin Gwari road has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most critical yet neglected highways, with years of poor condition and insecurity limiting economic activities along the route. Its reconstruction is expected to enhance regional integration, improve logistics for businesses and strengthen Kaduna’s position as a key gateway linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.”
The ceremony attracted top government officials, including Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, Special Adviser to the President on political and other matters, Ibrahim Masari, former Kaduna State Governor, Ramalan Yero and other dignitaries.
