The Federal Ministry of Works has inaugurated completed emergency bridges and road intervention projects along the Gombe–Bauchi and Gombe-Yola highway in Gombe State, aimed at restoring damaged sections and improving the safe movement of motorists.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, said the works included the reinstatement of failed shoulders and the repair of washouts on the Gombe–Bauchi Road, interventions at the Gombe Bypass covering shoulders and main drains, as well as the rehabilitation of three severely damaged bridges along the Gombe–Yola Road.
Mr. Abdullahi noted that the interventions were designed to ensure the free movement of people, goods and services.
He explained that infrastructure and transportation remained key pillars of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, “The government identified critical sections of federal highways for urgent attention to ease the flow of economic activities.”
He said the government inherited 2,064 projects with liabilities exceeding ₦13 trillion, hence the need for targeted interventions to boost socio-economic growth.
Mr. Abdullahi further disclosed that the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe route, linking Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi and Gombe, would be dualised as part of four legacy road projects spanning the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The inauguration, carried out on behalf of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Farouk Mu’azu Gombe, commended President Tinubu for awarding the dual carriageway project from Akwanga through Jos and Bauchi to Gombe.
Mr. Mu’azu also appreciated the Minister for entrusting him with the inauguration of the emergency rehabilitation works.
Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Gombe State, Mr. Mohammed Bappa Jaun, said the projects were awarded in January 2024, with a three-month completion period and were delivered on schedule.
He described them as rapid interventions involving overlay of the carriageway and reinstatement of shoulders to improve motorability and reduce accidents, particularly during peak travel periods.
Mr. Jaun added that proposals had been submitted for further rehabilitation on sections of the Gombe–Darazo Road, parts of the Bauchi–Gombe Road and the Gombe–Potiskum Road, pending approval.
He confirmed that one contract had already been awarded and stressed that work would continue pending the full dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor.
According to him, a total of ₦256,518,837 was expended on the reinstatement of the three bridges in Gombe, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure nationwide.