Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
PRESIDENT Ahmed Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the 40-kilometre Babban Lamba–Sharam Phase II road project in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the initiative as a critical intervention that will reduce traffic congestion, enhance business activity and improve the overall socio-economic wellbeing of the populace.
The President, who was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at the ceremony held on Thursday in Kanke, said the project forms part of his administration’s legacy infrastructure programme, which began in the southern part of the country and now spans about 20 states.
Professor Yilwatda noted that the road would be equipped with surveillance cameras, street lights and two police stations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to integrating security with infrastructure development.
“In the North Central zone, there are about 61 road projects; five have been completed and 25 are ongoing. There is also the 700km Lagos–Calabar coastal road, deep sea port, rail line, gas plant, among numerous other projects,” Yilwatda stated.
He commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for his stewardship in infrastructural development, revealing that the Minister is currently overseeing the construction of over one thousand roads across the nation. He urged the contractors handling the Babban Lamba–Sharam Phase II project to expedite work within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the security, socio-economic wellbeing and overall safety of the communities.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described the project as a testament to President Tinubu’s genuine concern for the people of Plateau, noting that the administration had earlier flagged off the over-700km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road. He added that since the advent of democracy, no president had recognised Plateau in terms of infrastructural projects to the extent that President Tinubu had done.
However, the Governor appealed for further attention, pointing out that the federal road linking Plateau North, Central and Southern zones, as well as the border with Taraba State—constructed since 1971—was in dire need of rehabilitation. He encouraged Nigerians to continue praying despite the nation’s challenges, expressing optimism that better days lay ahead.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressed shock that there had been no major federal project in Plateau until President Tinubu assumed office. He confirmed that the 40km Babban Lamba–Sharam road would be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology under the President’s legacy road initiative.
“The CRCP technology offers superior performance, reduced maintenance requirements, extended service life and ultimately ensures greater durability,” Umahi explained.
The member representing Pankshin–Kanke–Kanam (PKK) constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, acknowledged that with this project, his constituency was becoming one of the most transformed in Nigeria. He praised the President for the projects across the country and stated that with genuine and sincere collaboration between the APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, and Governor Mutfwang, Plateau would continue to reap dividends of democracy.
The Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, revealed that the Babban Lamba–Sharam road project covers about 40km, including a 2km spur to Kanke Local Government headquarters, and would be executed using modern CRCP engineering technology.
Speaking on behalf of the construction firm, Decency Associates Limited, team leader Abdul-Hakeem A. Smith expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in the company to execute Phase II of the project. He promised accountability and transparency, assuring that the project would be delivered within record time.
