President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a 600-metre underpass and a 3.7-kilometre dualised township road network in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
PUNCH Online reports that the Nasarawa State Government, led by Governor Abdullahi Sule, constructed the underpass and dualised township roads as part of its urban renewal programme aimed at transforming the state.
The President, who was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the projects would ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities in the area.
Tinubu noted that anyone familiar with Akwanga would recognise the significant transformation taking place in the town.
He said, “Anybody who has seen this road before now knows how congested it used to be. The congestion and delays, especially during festive periods, meant it could take hours to pass through this road. The massive work you (Governor Sule) have done within a short period is admirable.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate what you are doing, not just in this town alone. I came through Karu and saw what you are doing there. It is extraordinary.
“You are doing a great job in expanding the road network and providing other essential amenities for the people of this state.”
The President said the projects aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the provision of critical infrastructure across the country.
He described the projects as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s road infrastructure and strengthen Akwanga’s position as a transit hub.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sule thanked the President for commissioning the projects, saying they would benefit residents and travellers alike.
The governor said the state had executed the projects, along with several others across Nasarawa, without borrowing from financial institutions.
According to him, the projects were made possible by increased revenues arising from the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
“They were carried out because of the economic reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange market, the removal of fuel subsidy and the increase in the Value Added Tax rate from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent.
“These reforms have made it possible for governors like me, who previously received between N3.5 billion and N4 billion monthly as allocation, to now receive between N13 billion and N15 billion.
“That is what has made it possible for us to execute these projects across the state, and we will not relent until the end of our administration in 2027,” Sule said.
The governor also expressed confidence that the people of Nasarawa State would reward Tinubu with between 70 and 80 per cent of the votes in the 2027 presidential election in appreciation of his administration’s projects and policies.
Meanwhile, the President also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Kaduna–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, a project aimed at improving connectivity and addressing transportation challenges along the corridor.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tinubu said Phase One of the project, covering the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos section, was a key component of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure development programme.
He said the project would enhance connectivity, improve road safety and stimulate socio-economic activities along the route.
The President urged the contractors to execute the project according to specifications and to contribute to local capacity development.
“Please do not just be contractors; be development partners. Train our youths, transfer skills, create jobs in the communities and ensure that our young people benefit from the opportunities this project will create,” Tinubu said.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved N111 billion to facilitate the commencement of the project, which will be constructed using concrete pavement.
Umahi also thanked the governors of Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Borno states for providing the necessary support to enable the Federal Government to commence the project without hindrance.
