The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualization of the Gombe-Biu highway, a project valued at N1.245 trillion.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state performed the ceremony on Thursday on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi said the project forms part of the federal government’s infrastructure priorities.
According to him, the 125-kilometre road will be reconstructed and dualized by Hi-Tech Construction Company using rigid pavement technology.
The minister added that the project scope has been expanded to 139 kilometres following a request by the governor to route it through the Northern Bypass.
On his part, Governor Inuwa described the highway as an important economic and social corridor linking the Northeast with other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
He said the project is expected to improve trade, transportation, and regional connectivity.
“The road was originally built in 1962 and last resurfaced in 1976. We President Tinubu for approving the project and we will work with the federal government and contractors to ensure its timely completion to specified standards,” the governor said.
