Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled a key campaign pledge with the official groundbreaking of the 122-kilometre Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road reconstruction project in Kaduna State. Tinubu, represented by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, spoke at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President recalled visiting Birnin Gwari in December 2022 during the presidential campaign despite security warnings that the area was unsafe due to banditry and kidnappings. He had promised to reconstruct the road from Mando, Kaduna, to Birnin Gwari and to restore security and normalcy to the area. President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the road as a national asset linking the North-West to the South-West through several states up to Lagos. The Federal Executive Council has approved ?178.12 billion for the reconstruction project.
Governor Sani commended Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for securing approval and funding for the project. He noted that the Kaduna State Government was also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The projects signify the gradual return of peace and stability to the area.
Sani also highlighted other federal projects approved for Kaduna State, such as the Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about 865 million dollars, and ongoing improvements on the Western Bypass and other critical infrastructure across the state. He argued that Northern Nigeria was witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure investment, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his recognition of Kaduna as the heart of Northern Nigeria. Sani pledged continued political support for Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Minister Umahi described Tinubu as “a promise keeper” committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country. He explained that the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road would improve security, reduce travel time, and boost agriculture and commercial activities along the corridor. The road will feature solar-powered street lighting and extensive tree planting to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.
Umahi praised Sani for persistently advocating for the road’s reconstruction due to its strategic importance and noted that several inherited highway projects, including sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, were nearing completion. He emphasized that improved road infrastructure has contributed to reduced insecurity along major transport corridors and urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on tangible infrastructure projects and reforms. He called for constructive criticism and alternatives from those opposing the administration, asserting that within three years, President Tinubu has performed well and, given another term, could elevate the country further.