FG Approves 420km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Highway Dualisation
New 420km Akwanga-Gombe Dual Carriageway to Boost Northern Agricultural Trade
The Federal Government of Nigeria has awarded a multi-billion Naira contract for the dualisation of the 420-kilometer highway connecting Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Gombe State, passing through Plateau and Bauchi States. This infrastructure initiative is designed to serve as a strategic link between the North-Central and North-East regions, facilitating safer transit and more efficient agricultural commerce.
The announcement was made by Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, Director of Information for the Federal Ministry of Works, during a weekend inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works on the Bauchi-Gombe section of the corridor. The project has been designated as one of the four "legacy projects" under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at creating a comprehensive transportation loop across the federation.
Strategic Integration and Legacy Projects
The Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe dualisation joins a portfolio of high-priority national infrastructure projects intended to stimulate socio-economic growth. According to the Ministry of Works, these projects are structured to integrate various geopolitical zones into a seamless economic network.
The four legacy projects currently prioritized by the administration include:
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: 750 kilometers.
Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway: 1,008 kilometers.
Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway: 474 kilometers.
Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Highway: 420 kilometers.
"The idea is to connect the whole of Nigeria like a loop," Abdullahi stated. He further noted that these are not merely roads but "investments for the future," featuring modern components such as solar street lighting and potential carbon credit benefits through renewable energy integration. Some sections may also incorporate irrigation dams to support local agricultural activities.
Progress on the Bauchi-Gombe Segment
While the dualisation contract was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), rehabilitation work is already advanced on specific segments of the route. The 35.4-kilometer Bauchi-Gombe section, handled by Triacta Nigeria Limited, is currently undergoing extensive repairs to address what was previously described as a "nightmare" for commuters.
Key progress updates on this segment include:
Completion Rate: Approximately 21.8 kilometers of the 35.4-kilometer stretch have been completed up to the binder course level.
Safety Impact: Local authorities and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have reported a significant reduction in accidents due to the improved road surface and drainage systems.
Timeline: The contractor has assured the government that substantial work will be completed before the onset of the rainy season to maintain the free flow of traffic.
Economic and Social Impact
For professionals in the logistics, agriculture, and real estate sectors, the dualisation of this 420km corridor represents a major shift in regional market accessibility. By upgrading the single-lane sections to a dual carriageway, the government expects a drastic reduction in travel time and vehicle operating costs.
Representatives from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have validated the quality of the ongoing work, confirming that specifications are being strictly adhered to. Local leadership, including the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), noted that the project will be particularly beneficial for rural farmers, allowing them to transport produce to urban markets with minimal post-harvest losses.
The approval of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe highway dualisation marks a critical step in addressing the infrastructure deficit in Northern Nigeria. As the project moves into the construction phase, it is expected to provide a vital artery for national trade, improve regional security through better visibility and lighting, and foster long-term economic resilience across the four states it traverses.
