By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to dualise the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road, adding that it has proceeded to negotiate and secure a Chinese EXIM Bank facility of about $1.1 billion for the construction.
Minister of Works David Umahi made the disclosure in Abuja and explained that the efforts culminated in the presentation of a well-articulated memo to the National Council of States meeting, and approval was given among the President’s legacy road projects.
Umahi said that things are moving so fast that Messrs CGC has been appointed contractors for the project, and designs are being finalised with active inputs from the Plateau State Government.
He declared: It is hoped that the procurement process will follow soon so that by 2025 actual construction will begin. Mr. President listens to the cries of Nigerians who pass through the Abuja- Jos- North East corridor.
Also, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said he has been a regular user of the road before, and he is aware of the concerns of Nigerians over the roads.
Mutfwang promised to mobilise relevant stakeholders to persuade President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the construction and dualization of the road, hoping to engage the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to explore collaboration for remedial intervention pending the commencement of the project.