The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has described the Gombe-Biu axis of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Super Highway as a priority project of thePresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Umahi made the declaration on Monday in Abuja when he received Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who renewed his call for the Federal Government to expedite work on major road projects connecting the state to other parts of the North-East.
The governor’s meeting with the minister formed part of his continued advocacy for federal intervention in strategic road infrastructure, which he said was critical to unlocking Gombe’s agricultural, commercial, industrial and tourism potential.
At the centre of the discussion was the Gombe-Biu section of the super highway, which was recently approved and flagged off by the Federal Government.
Yahaya has repeatedly called for the early commencement of the Gombe-Biu axis, citing its importance to Gombe State and the wider North-East region.
His advocacy culminated in a recent visit by Umahi to Gombe, where the minister joined the governor and members of the National Assembly for the groundbreaking ceremony of the project.
Following the groundbreaking, the governor renewed his appeal for the Federal Government to sustain the momentum and move into full-scale construction to ensure timely completion.
Yahaya also sought consideration for the construction of northern and southern bypasses around Gombe metropolis.
According to him, the proposed bypasses would open up the state capital from both ends, provide strategic links to the Gombe-Biu corridor, reduce pressure on existing roads and improve the movement of people and goods within and beyond the metropolis.
Responding, Umahi assured the governor that his request concerning the commencement point of the Gombe-Biu section would be considered as construction begins in earnest.
He expressed confidence in Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, describing the firm as one of the most competent contractors for major infrastructure projects.
The minister also commended Yahaya for his persistence and commitment to attracting development projects to Gombe state.
Umahi said his recent visit to Gombe had given him a better understanding of the scale of development taking place in the state under the Yahaya administration.
“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,” he said.
The minister assured the governor that the Federal Government would deliver the Gombe-Biu project, expressing confidence that its completion would boost economic activities in the state and the wider North-East.
Umahi also acknowledged the governor’s continued advocacy for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other major roads in the region, including the Gombe-Bajoga-Potiskum, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo and Gombe-Bauchi corridors.
The roads are considered important economic links for the state, connecting farming communities to markets, businesses to commercial centres and Gombe to neighbouring states and regional economic hubs.