Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: FG Begins Reconstruction of Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Highway
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the long-neglected 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State as part of efforts to improve security, strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Monday, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the project fulfils President Tinubu’s campaign promise to the people of Birnin Gwari and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the country.
Umahi described the highway as a strategic economic corridor linking Kaduna State with Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, noting that it serves as one of the shortest routes connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria.
According to him, the reconstructed road will ease the movement of people and goods, improve agricultural productivity, facilitate trade, reduce travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, enhance security and promote socio-economic development.
The minister also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the rehabilitation of critical federal highways nationwide, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road and the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
He explained that the Federal Government is using infrastructure development as a strategic tool to address insecurity, improve food security, create jobs and expand economic opportunities. He added that the project will feature modern infrastructure, including solar-powered street lights and tree planting, in line with sustainable and climate-resilient road development.
Representing President Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani recalled that the President visited Birnin Gwari during the 2023 election campaign despite security concerns and promised to restore peace and reconstruct the road.
The governor said both promises are now being fulfilled through improved security operations and the commencement of the road project. He noted that the return of peace has enabled farmers to resume cultivation and businesses to reopen, while the reconstructed road will further enhance agriculture, commerce and regional integration.
Governor Sani also appreciated the President and the Minister of Works for supporting Kaduna State through ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Kaduna Western and Eastern Bypasses and the recently approved Kaduna Light Rail Project.
Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the project as a landmark investment that will improve transportation, strengthen security, lower the cost of transporting agricultural produce, generate employment and stimulate economic growth across Kaduna State and neighbouring states. He appealed to host communities to protect the project to ensure its timely completion.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, said the road is a vital transport corridor that will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, solid minerals, commercial goods and passengers. He disclosed that the contract was awarded to Messrs. J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited with a completion period of 24 months, adding that construction equipment has already been mobilised to site.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Federal Government for investing in critical road infrastructure and praised the engagement of indigenous contractors, describing it as a boost for local capacity development and job creation.
Managing Director of J. Patel & Sons (Nigeria) Limited, Urmil Jagadish Patel, assured Nigerians that the company has fully mobilised equipment, engineers and logistics to site and is committed to delivering a durable, world-class highway within the 24-month timeline. He added that the project would create employment opportunities for hundreds of youths while promoting skills transfer through the training of local engineers and artisans.
Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Mai Gwari II, thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling his promises to improve security and reconstruct the road, describing the project as an economic lifeline that will reconnect communities, strengthen trade and agriculture, and restore hope to the people.
The reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, strengthen security operations, support agricultural value chains, facilitate interstate commerce and accelerate socio-economic development in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
