BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Motorists and residents in Jigawa State are set to witness major economic transformation as the Federal Government’s ongoing projects reached completion phase.
The project commenced in accordance with agenda five of Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu, designed to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
This was one of the observations at the conclusion of Media Tour of ongoing projects, as well as the Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the North West Zone.
The tour showcased the Federal Government’s determination to deliver critical road infrastructure to Nigerians, with substantial progress recorded on several projects, including accolades by the host communities.
Speaking in Gumel, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) Jigawa State, Engr. Yusuf Mahmoud disclosed that the reconstruction of Kwanar Danja–Tsalle–Hadejia Road is progressing speedily.
The project, executed by Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc, is a 117-kilometre (Phase 1) reconstruction awarded in February 2022. The scope of work includes reconstruction of the existing carriageway, construction of lined drains, and installation of culverts to improve drainage, enhance road durability, and protect adjoining communities from flooding.
Mahmoud explained that although the project was initially scheduled for completion in February 2025, delays were encountered due to challenges related to advance payment and budgetary provisions.
He noted that the issues have since been fully resolved, enabling the contractor to return to the site with renewed momentum.
"It has attained about 75 per cent completion, with nearly 79 kilometres already reconstructed. Construction is ongoing simultaneously from the Gumel and Hadejia ends, with two teams (gangs) deployed to fast-track delivery," Mahmoud stated.
The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc, Engr. Ibrahim Abubakar confirmed that the company has mobilised extensive equipment, multiple asphalt plants, and deployed more personnel along the remaining alignments to accelerate completion.
“With all challenges being surmounted, we are working with two construction gangs from both ends of the road. Our target is to complete the project before December 2026, ahead of the revised completion date of February 2027," he confirmed.
Abubakar assured a cordial relationship with host communities, explaining that temporary work stoppages during peak rainy periods were unavoidable due to safety and technical considerations.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Branch, Salisu Muhammed, alongside another stakeholder, Mas’ud Usman expressed satisfaction with the work, noting that travel time and cost of transportation, as well as vehicle maintenance reduced significantly compared to the previous condition of the road.
They commended the present administration for its commitment to road infrastructure development.
The team also assessed progress on the Kunya–Kanya–Babura–Babban Mutum Road, a 47-kilometre rehabilitation project executed by CRCC Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited.
Briefing the FCW, Engr. Mahmoud disclosed that the project has reached 82 per cent completion, with about 37 kilometres already rehabilitated.
The remaining sections are expected to be completed within the year, following the resolution of earlier challenges.
He noted that upon completion, the road will significantly boost cross-border trade due to its proximity to the Nigeria-Niger border, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and enhance regional connectivity.
The Project Manager of the construction firm, Mr. Du For highlighted the strong collaboration between Nigeria and China, assuring that the company remains committed to executing the project in accordance with approved specifications.
One of the members of the benefiting communities, Malam Audu Ibrahim thanked the Federal Government for listening to their complaints and constructing the project.
He said: "The government is trying and we really like the President because of the road. It has opened up business opportunities for us."
In addition, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jigawa State Council, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim commissioned the Special Repairs of the Kano State Border–Dutse–Kiyawa–Bauchi State Border Road on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi.
The Special Repairs of the Kano State Border–Dutse–Kiyawa–Bauchi State Border Road is an emergency intervention project approved under the 260 Emergency Road Projects.
It commenced in March, 2024 and was completed in December 2024, restoring the road from a severely deteriorated condition to a safe and motorable state.
A community representative, Mustapha Isah appreciated the Federal Government for fixing the road, while appealing for the provision of additional drainage to address perennial flooding challenges.
The Senior Special Adviser to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North-West, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai commended the Federal Government for prioritising road infrastructure in Jigawa, describing the projects as critical to the state’s agrarian economy.
He commended the Minister of Works, Engr Umahi; Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., and all stakeholders for their sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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