The Federal Government has officially flagged off reconstruction works on the long-neglected 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, reaffirming its commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure that promotes national integration, enhances security, and drives economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony on Monday, 4 August, 2026, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, said the project fulfils President Tinubu’s campaign promise to the people of Birnin Gwari and underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the country.
The Minister described the Mando–Birnin Gwari Road as a strategic economic corridor linking Kaduna State with Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos States and the shortest route that connects the North with the South. He noted that upon completion, the road will improve the movement of people and goods, enhance agricultural productivity, facilitate commerce, reduce travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, strengthen security, and stimulate socio-economic development.
Engr. Umahi also commended President Tinubu for prioritising the reconstruction of existing federal highways nationwide, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto–Road, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and several other critical road projects.
According to the Minister, the administration is leveraging infrastructure as a strategic tool to combat insecurity, improve food security, create jobs and expand economic frontiers. He further disclosed that the Road will incorporate modern infrastructure features such as solar-powered street lighting and tree planting, in line with the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient road development.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, CON, recalled the President’s visit to Birnin Gwari during the 2023 electioneering period, despite prevailing security challenges, during which he pledged to restore security to the corridor and reconstruct the road.
Governor Uba Sani stated that the President has fulfilled both promises through sustained coordinated security interventions and the commencement of the reconstruction project. He noted that improved security along the axis has enabled farmers to return to their farmlands and businesses to resume operations, while the road will further strengthen trade, agriculture and regional integration.
The Governor expressed appreciation to Mr. President and the Honourable Minister for their unrelenting support to Kaduna State. He highlighted other ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects in the state, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Kaduna Western and Eastern Bypasses, and the recently approved Kaduna Light Rail Project.
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., said the project is a landmark investment that will improve transportation, enhance security, reduce the cost of transporting agricultural produce, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across Kaduna State and the neighbouring States. He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and residents along the alignment to support the contractor by safeguarding the project to ensure its successful completion.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the 122-kilometre road as a vital transport corridor that would connect communities by facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, solid minerals, commercial goods and passengers.
He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs. J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited with a completion period of 24 months. He added that preliminary engineering activities had been completed and construction equipment had already been mobilised to site. He assured Nigerians that the Ministry would maintain strict supervision and quality assurance throughout the execution of the project.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Federal Government for reconstructing critical federal roads across the country and applauded the engagement of indigenous contractors, noting that it promotes local capacity development and job creation.
The Managing Director of the construction company, Mr. Urmil Jagadish Patel, ascribed the flag-off as a historic milestone reflecting President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure landscape, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended the Minister for introducing innovative engineering and monitoring methods, particularly the adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), and praised Governor Uba Sani for improving security in the State, which has made the commencement of the project possible.
Mr. Patel assured the public of the company’s readiness to deliver the project within the 24-month completion period, disclosing that equipment, engineers and logistics had already been fully mobilised to site. He added that the project would deliver a durable, world-class highway, while creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths in the host communities and promoting skills transfer through the training of local engineers and artisans, in line with the Federal Government’s local content policy.
In his remarks, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Mai Gwari II, thanked His Excellency, President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promises to improve security and reconstruct the road. He disclosed that the project is an economic lifeline that will reconnect communities, strengthen trade and agriculture, and restore hope to the people of Birnin Gwari.
The reconstruction of the critically failed road is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, strengthen security operations, support agricultural value chains, facilitate interstate commerce, and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
5 August, 2026.
Discover more from The Legit News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
