Gov. Yahaya Pushes for Early Construction of Gombe-Biu Super Highway, Bypasses

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has renewed his call for the Federal Government to accelerate construction of the Gombe-Biu section of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Super Highway.

The governor made the call on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, where he also sought federal intervention on additional road projects considered critical to Gombe State’s economic development.

In a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, the governor said the projects would strengthen connectivity and help unlock the agricultural, commercial, industrial and tourism potential of the state and the wider North-East.

Governor Yahaya has consistently advocated the early commencement of the Gombe-Biu section of the super highway, describing the corridor as strategically important to Gombe and other parts of the region.

The project was recently approved and flagged off by the Federal Government, with Mr Umahi joining the governor and members of the National Assembly in Gombe for its groundbreaking ceremony.

Following the groundbreaking, Mr Yahaya is now seeking sustained federal commitment towards the commencement of full-scale construction and timely completion of the road.

Bypasses for Gombe metropolis

The governor also proposed the development of northern and southern bypasses around Gombe metropolis.

According to him, the proposed bypasses would provide alternative routes into and out of the state capital, reduce pressure on existing roads and improve connections to the Gombe-Biu corridor.

He said the infrastructure would also facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods while creating opportunities for economic expansion around the metropolis.

Responding, Mr Umahi described the Gombe-Biu section of the super highway as a priority of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The minister said the governor’s request to commence construction from the proposed point of interest would be considered as work begins.

Mr Umahi also expressed confidence in Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, describing the firm as one of the country’s capable companies for major infrastructure projects.

The minister commended Mr Yahaya for his persistence in seeking federal projects for Gombe and said his recent visit to the state had strengthened his understanding of the development taking place there.

“Since my visit to Gombe, I have become like your ambassador. Anywhere I go, I talk about your state and the developmental strides I have witnessed,” Mr Umahi said.

He added that Gombe had demonstrated what could be achieved through what he described as genuine development and visionary leadership.

Mr Umahi assured the governor that the Federal Government would deliver the super highway, expressing optimism that its completion would have a significant impact on residents and businesses across the region.

Other strategic roads

The minister also acknowledged the governor’s continued advocacy for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other major roads linking Gombe with neighbouring states.

They include the Gombe-Bajoga-Potiskum, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo and Gombe-Bauchi corridors.

The roads are important to Gombe’s economy, particularly for farmers and traders who depend on them to transport agricultural produce to markets and connect communities with major commercial centres.

The governor’s renewed push comes as Gombe seeks stronger integration into the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, with road connectivity seen as a key driver of economic growth across the North-East.