Ndume Commends Tinubu, Umahi Over N1.245tn Gombe–Biu Road Project

Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works David Umahi for commencing the reconstruction and dualisation of the 125-kilometre Gombe–Biu highway.

The N1.245 trillion road project was officially flagged off on Thursday at Liji in Gombe State, with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Umahi, and Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, Danny Abboud, in attendance.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Ndume described the project as the fulfilment of commitments made by the Tinubu administration to rehabilitate critical road infrastructure across the North-East.

Ndume Recalls Years of Advocacy for Highway Rehabilitation

The senator said he had consistently raised concerns over the poor condition of the Gombe–Biu road under successive administrations because of its importance to economic activities, security operations and regional integration.

According to him, he first highlighted the issue during a 2019 engagement with former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, where he stressed the strategic significance of the road corridor.

Ndume also recalled making another presentation to the Ministry of Works in July 2021, urging the Federal Government to prioritise the road under infrastructure financing frameworks and development programmes.

He said his engagement with Umahi in a letter dated February 11, 2026, drew attention to the exclusion of the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri corridor from the administration’s legacy road projects.

“It is heart-warming to note that my interaction with the present Minister of Works finally paid off as the Federal Executive Council approved the Biu–Gombe Road project under the federal tax credit and infrastructure intervention framework,” Ndume said.

Road Project Expected to Boost Economy, Security

The lawmaker said the rehabilitation and dualisation of the highway would improve connectivity across the North-East and stimulate economic growth.

He described the route as a critical transportation corridor linking the region to other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

“I want to appreciate Mr President for listening to my calls. It is a laudable project that will unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for Nigerians,” he said.

Senator Seeks Extension to Maiduguri, Border Communities

Despite welcoming the project, Ndume appealed to the Federal Government to extend the road beyond Biu to Maiduguri, Monguno, Ngala and Yola.

According to him, expanding the road network to border communities would enhance trade, strengthen security operations and improve regional integration.

“Those are very critical roads that go down to the border. They will promote inter-country trade and also help in the fight against insurgency because criminals often take advantage of bad roads to attack and kidnap travellers,” he said.

Ndume expressed confidence that residents of the North-East would welcome the intervention and benefit from the improved infrastructure.

He added that the project would have a positive impact on economic development, transportation and security across the region.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.