By || Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja
The Federal Government has recorded significant progress on key road projects in Jigawa State, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This was revealed during the conclusion of a National Media Tour of ongoing projects in the North-West Zone, which included the commissioning of emergency and special intervention road works across the state. The tour highlighted tangible achievements on major federal highways, drawing commendation from host communities and key stakeholders.
Speaking in Gumel, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Jigawa State, Engr. Yusuf Mahmoud, disclosed that reconstruction work on the 117-kilometre Kwanar Danja–Tsalle–Hadejia Road (Phase I) has reached about 75 per cent completion. The project, awarded in February 2022 to Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc, has so far delivered nearly 79 kilometres of reconstructed roadway.
According to him, the scope of work includes full reconstruction of the existing carriageway, construction of lined drains, and installation of culverts aimed at improving durability and mitigating flooding in adjoining communities.
Although the project initially faced delays linked to advance payment and budgetary challenges, Engr. Mahmoud explained that these issues have now been resolved. “Construction is ongoing from both the Gumel and Hadejia ends, with two gangs deployed to fast-track delivery,” he said.
Project Manager, Engr. Ibrahim Abubakar, confirmed that the contractor has fully remobilised, deploying heavy equipment, multiple asphalt plants and additional manpower. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed before December 2026, ahead of the revised deadline of February 2027.
He also noted that temporary work stoppages during peak rainy periods were necessary for safety and technical reasons, while assuring of continued cooperation with host communities.
Road users and transport operators have already begun to feel the impact. Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Branch, Salisu Muhammed, said travel time, transport costs and vehicle maintenance expenses have dropped significantly. Another stakeholder, Mas’ud Usman, praised the administration for its sustained focus on road infrastructure.
The media team also inspected the 47-kilometre Kunya–Kanya–Babura–Babban Mutum Road, being rehabilitated by CRCC Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited. Engr. Mahmoud reported that the project is 82 per cent completed, with about 37 kilometres already rehabilitated. The remaining sections, he said, are expected to be finished within the year.
He noted that the road’s completion would boost cross-border trade with the Republic of Niger, enhance agricultural produce movement and strengthen regional connectivity.
Project Manager of CRCC, Mr. Du For, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering the project in line with approved specifications, describing it as another testament to Nigeria–China cooperation in infrastructure delivery.
Community members along the corridor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government. Malam Audu Ibrahim said the road has transformed local commerce, adding, “The government is trying, and we really appreciate the President because this road has opened up business opportunities for us.”
In another development, the Chairman of the 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. The emergency intervention project, approved under the 260 Emergency Road Projects, was completed in December 2024 after commencing in March 2024, restoring the road to a safe and motorable condition.
A community representative, Mustapha Isah, applauded the swift intervention, while calling for additional drainage infrastructure to address recurring flooding.
At the close of the tour, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, commended the Federal Government for prioritising Jigawa State, describing the road projects as vital to the state’s agrarian economy.
He said the initiatives align fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda, while also praising the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and all stakeholders for their sustained commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
