Tinubu Flags Off 700km Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway, Gives Update on Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry Projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off Section I of the Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos segment of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented at the flag-off ceremony by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, the President described the project as the fourth legacy highway initiative of his administration and a major step towards improving national connectivity, road safety and economic development.

Tinubu said the 700-kilometre superhighway, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is being executed in phases to ensure timely delivery and efficient project management.

He recalled that Section II of the project, linking Gombe and Biu, was flagged off on June 4, 2026, while the commencement of the 125-kilometre Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos section marks another milestone in the delivery of the highway.

According to the President, the entire corridor comprises five sections: Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos (125km), Jos–Bauchi (135km), Bauchi–Gombe (162km), Gombe–Biu (125km) and Biu–Maiduguri (188km), all designed to improve transportation, facilitate trade and strengthen socio-economic integration across the North-Central and North-East.

Tinubu also provided updates on other flagship road projects across the country, saying Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos has been substantially completed, while Section II in Ogun State has reached 60 per cent completion.

He added that Sections IIIA and IIIB in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states have attained 20 per cent completion, Sections IVA and IVB in Akwa Ibom are at five per cent completion, while Section V has been awarded and construction is underway.

On the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the President disclosed that Section I in Sokoto State has reached 40 per cent completion, Section II in Kebbi State stands at 60 per cent, Section III in Ogun State is 18 per cent complete, while Section IV in Oyo State is currently under mobilisation.

He also highlighted progress on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route linking Calabar, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Abuja, noting that work on the Ebonyi section has reached 15 per cent completion, while mobilisation has commenced in Benue State and engineering designs are advancing on other sections.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the road projects would improve transportation, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, attract investment and promote national prosperity.

The President directed the Minister of Works to collaborate with the Surveyor-General of the Federation and governors of affected states to acquire adequate setbacks along the project corridors to accommodate future road expansion, supporting infrastructure, tolling facilities and long-term maintenance.

He also urged contractors handling the projects to engage Nigerian youths, promote skills transfer and contribute to the country’s long-term technical capacity.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised President Tinubu for what he described as his vision and determination to implement an ambitious nationwide infrastructure renewal programme.

Umahi said the administration’s legacy highway projects demonstrate a commitment to national development beyond political and regional considerations, adding that road projects are currently under construction or at various stages of execution across the 36 states of the federation.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that will foster national unity, expand economic opportunities and support sustainable development for generations of Nigerians.