The Federal Government has officially flagged-off the reconstruction of the 122KM Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State.
Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Nwaze said yhe Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in his remarks at the flag-off ceremony affirmed that the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu were yielding results across the country, with strategic road infrastructure driving economic growth, improving security, reducing hunger and reconnecting communities.
He described the project as another fulfilled promise by President Tinubu and a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity, stimulating commerce and expanding economic opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are using this road infrastructure to fix the economic problems we met on ground, we are using road infrastructure to fight the insecurity we met on the ground, we are using road building to fight hunger we met on the ground, we are using this road infrastructure to fight the injustices we met on ground where some state had no federal project like Plateau, Gombe, Ebonyi and even Kaduna”, he said.
Umahi emphasized that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road was one of President Tinubu’s promises fulfilled, noting that the project would significantly reduce travel time between Northern Nigeria and Lagos while opening up new economic routes.
“By doing this road the president is shortening the distance between the north and Lagos. This is the shortest route to Lagos State. Because by the time it gets to Birnin Gwari, it leads to Niger then it connects Kwara, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos. What more can we say this is a very important road”, Umahi stated.
Responding to claims that the Federal Government was abandoning existing roads in favour of new ones, Umahi dismissed the criticism, citing several major rehabilitation projects currently underway across the country.
He further noted that road infrastructure remained the foundation for national development, explaining that investment in roads stimulate every sector of the economy.
“When a road is built it is a catalyst. It is a GDP that grows other GDPs. When a road is built insecurity is minimized, there is an agricultural revolution. When a road is built there is an increase in commerce and education and that is what this Divine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing”, he said.
Umahi also congratulated Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at $868 million.
Calling for responsible democratic engagement, the Minister urged critics of the administration to offer constructive criticism that will help government improve service delivery.
President Bola Tinubu, was represented at the ceremony by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari.
Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the significant gains recorded in the fight against insecurity, noting that farmers have returned to their farms after years of fear and displacement.
