By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure projects as a major campaign advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yilwatda made the statement on Saturday during an inspection of the ongoing Akwanga-Jos-Gombe section of the Trans-Sahara Superhighway. He said the projects would demonstrate the administration’s achievements and attract more votes for the APC.
Yilwatda Hails Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments
Yilwatda described the ongoing construction as an “unbeatable campaign asset” for the ruling party.
According to him, Nigerians will judge the Tinubu administration through visible infrastructure projects across the country.
He also praised the government’s commitment to transforming communities through major road investments.
The APC chairman recalled that the Akwanga-Jos corridor suffered decades of neglect.
He explained that previous administrations carried out only minor repairs along the route.
“For over five decades, since the days of the late Joseph Gomwalk around 1972, this corridor witnessed only piecemeal patching,” he said.
He added that communities along the Nasarawa-Plateau axis rarely received federal infrastructure projects worth even ₦10 billion.
However, President Tinubu has committed hundreds of billions of naira to the reconstruction.
Yilwatda said the government expects the new road to serve Nigerians for more than 100 years.
Akwanga-Jos Road Targets 10km Before Christmas
The project’s Equipment Coordinator and Public Relations Officer, James Baba, provided updates during the inspection.
He disclosed that contractors had mobilised heavy construction equipment to the Jos axis.
The Federal Ministry of Works directed the mobilisation to accelerate construction activities.
Baba said the contractor planned to complete at least 10 kilometres of road formation before Christmas.
Meanwhile, the construction team expects to deliver another 30 kilometres in 2027.
He also confirmed that test runs on the rigid pavement had commenced.
According to him, workers have already completed approximately 400 metres.
“Our target this year is to cover about 10 kilometres of earthwork before Christmas,” Baba stated.
Concrete Pavement to Improve Road Durability
Baba expressed confidence that the contractor would meet the construction targets.
He also assured Nigerians that the project would meet high-quality standards.
Furthermore, he explained why the construction team chose cement concrete instead of asphalt.
He said the Federal Ministry of Works specified the concrete pavement to improve durability.
The project aims to provide a long-lasting transportation route for communities and businesses.
Road Project to Include Security and Healthcare Facilities
Beyond transportation, the Akwanga-Jos road will feature several security and social facilities.
Yilwatda disclosed that the project would include 24-hour intelligent surveillance cameras.
It will also feature continuous street lighting and dedicated police outposts.
Additionally, emergency trauma clinics will provide healthcare support along the corridor.
Traffic lights and other safety infrastructure will also improve road management.
Yilwatda said these facilities would strengthen security and improve community welfare.
He explained that the project would connect communities, customers, markets and businesses.
According to him, the road represents more than a transportation investment.
Instead, it will promote economic activities, improve healthcare access and strengthen security.
Trans-Sahara Superhighway to Connect Multiple Regions
The Akwanga-Jos corridor forms part of the larger Trans-Sahara Superhighway project.
The broader route connects Calabar through Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue and Abuja before reaching Jos.
The ambitious project covers more than 1,400 kilometres across several geopolitical zones.
It aims to connect Nigeria’s South-South, South-East, North-Central and North-East regions.
The Federal Ministry of Works previously described the Akwanga-Jos section as a 125-kilometre stretch.
The larger superhighway also extends through Bauchi, Gombe, Biu and Maiduguri.
The project seeks to improve connectivity, security and economic activities across the country.
Yilwatda described the infrastructure investment as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He expressed confidence that the projects would strengthen public support for the APC.
“It is living proof of what the Renewed Hope agenda stands for, and it is precisely why Nigerians will continue to stand firmly behind President Tinubu,” he said.
