Inuwa intensifies push for federal road projects, meets Umahi

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By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

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GOMBE — Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has intensified efforts to attract Federal Government intervention in major road projects across the state, particularly those considered critical to agricultural, commercial, industrial and tourism development.

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Yahaya renewed the push during a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Monday in Abuja, where he canvassed accelerated action on strategic federal road projects in the state.

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According to a statement by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the meeting formed part of the governor’s sustained engagements with the Federal Government to improve road connectivity and unlock economic opportunities across the state.

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A major focus of the meeting was the Gombe-Biu axis of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Super Highway, recently approved and flagged off by the Federal Government.

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Yahaya has consistently advocated the early commencement of work on the Gombe-Biu section, describing the corridor as strategically important to Gombe and the entire North-East.

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His advocacy has included repeated engagements with the Ministry of Works and other relevant federal authorities, culminating in Umahi’s recent visit to Gombe, where he joined the governor and members of the National Assembly for the groundbreaking ceremony of the project.

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Following the groundbreaking, the governor is seeking sustained momentum towards the commencement of full-scale construction and timely completion of the road.

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Another major request by the governor is the construction of northern and southern bypasses for Gombe metropolis.

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According to Yahaya, the proposed bypasses would open up the state capital from both ends, create strategic links to the Gombe-Biu corridor, decongest existing roads and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

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Responding, Umahi described the Gombe-Biu axis of the super highway as a priority project of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, assuring the governor that his request for construction to commence from the proposed point of interest would be given due consideration.

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The minister also expressed confidence in the capacity of Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, describing it as one of the competent firms executing major infrastructure projects in the country.

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Umahi commended Yahaya for his persistence and commitment to pursuing development projects for the people of Gombe State.

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Reflecting on his recent visit to the state, the minister said the experience had deepened his appreciation of the scale and quality of infrastructure development under the Yahaya administration.

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“Since my visit to Gombe, I have become like your ambassador. Anywhere I go, I talk about your state and the developmental strides I have witnessed. I tell people, when you want to see genuine development and visionary leadership, go to Gombe,” Umahi said.

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He assured the governor that the Federal Government would deliver the project, expressing optimism that its completion would have a significant impact on the people of Gombe and further demonstrate the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration.

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The minister also acknowledged Yahaya’s sustained advocacy for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other strategic highways linking Gombe with neighbouring states and economic centres.

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They include the Gombe-Bajoga-Potiskum, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo and Gombe-Bauchi corridors.

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The roads, which connect several communities and agricultural areas to major markets and commercial centres, are regarded as critical economic links for Gombe State and the wider North-East.

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The governor’s renewed push is expected to strengthen federal-state collaboration on road infrastructure, improve regional connectivity and create new opportunities for trade, agriculture, investment and industrial development across the state.

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