By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Senate on Tuesday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the dualisation of the Akwanga (Nasarawa State)–Jos (Plateau)–Bauchi–Gombe highway, a long-awaited federal road project, following the award of the contract by the Federal Government, as disclosed during plenary in Abuja.
The commendation came after a Point of Order was raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), who informed lawmakers that the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had last week announced the award of the contract for the road’s dualisation.
Moving the motion, Ningi said the project marked the fulfilment of a dream that had remained unrealised for nearly four decades, describing the road as a critical corridor linking several North-Central and North-East states.
“Mr President, as representatives of the people and on behalf of senators from Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Adamawa, we emphatically thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for providing this road,” he said.
According to Ningi, the region had felt neglected for over 40 years, despite producing some of Nigeria’s most notable national leaders, including the country’s first Prime Minister from Bauchi and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, from Plateau.
He noted that the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe route was the only remaining major corridor in the country without a dual carriageway, stressing that the project would significantly improve safety, economic activity, and regional integration.
Ningi also urged the Senate Committees on Works and Finance to ensure adequate funding and oversight to guarantee the successful completion of the project.
Contributing, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe) also praised President Tinubu, saying the administration had shown responsiveness to the concerns of the people.
“We have to praise the President. We want to thank him for listening to the plight and complaints of our people,” Goje said.
