Stakeholders Praise FG Over Bauchi–Gombe Road Reconstruction

Stakeholders in the transport sector have commended the Federal Government for the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of major highways linking Bauchi and Gombe states, describing the projects as critical to economic growth, safer travel, and regional integration in the North-East.

Speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, transport operators, road safety officials, commuters, and business owners said the road projects would improve the movement of people and goods, enhance security, and stimulate socio-economic development across the region.

The Organising Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Gombe State, Salisu Umar, described the reconstruction of the Gombe–Bauchi and Gombe–Yola highways as a significant intervention, given the heavy traffic on both routes.

According to him, more than 120 kilometres of the 156-kilometre Gombe–Bauchi highway are already in good condition, leading to safer and more comfortable travel while reducing road accidents.

“The improvement of the road has made travelling safe and more comfortable. It has also considerably reduced the rate of accidents,” Umar said.

He added that substantial progress had also been recorded on the 240-kilometre Gombe–Yola road, noting that less than 30 kilometres remain to be completed.

Umar further applauded the administration of President Bola Tinubu for commencing the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Gombe–Biu road, which he said had deteriorated over the years despite its strategic importance to the region’s economy.

He noted that motorists currently spend up to three hours on a journey that should ordinarily take about one hour due to the poor condition of the road, but expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated N1.25 trillion reconstruction project would address the challenge.

Also speaking, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, praised the government’s road infrastructure efforts but called for the installation of additional safety facilities along the Gombe–Yola highway.

Kaura observed that some sections of the road lack road furniture and warning signs, particularly in accident-prone areas.

“There are no road signs to indicate danger zones. There is a need for contractors to install appropriate signage and other road safety infrastructure to protect lives and property,” he said.

A commuter, Aisha Mohammed, said the road projects would create new opportunities for traders and businesses operating along major transport corridors.

She noted that the Gombe–Biu road is particularly important for farmers and traders, adding that its completion would ease the transportation of agricultural produce and boost commercial activities.

Similarly, businessman Ibrahim Yusuf commended the Federal Government for prioritising infrastructure development in the North-East.

“This project demonstrates commitment to the development of our region. We appreciate the efforts being made to improve the roads and support economic growth,” he said.

In Bauchi State, commercial bus operator Yahuza Ahmed praised the rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe road and ongoing improvements on intra-state roads. However, he urged the government to also rehabilitate failed sections of the Bauchi–Kano and Bauchi–Jos highways to improve transportation and reduce road crashes.

Another transporter, Abdulsalam Aminu, described the projects as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to upgrading strategic road corridors across the country.

He said the investments would strengthen the transportation sector, promote regional connectivity, and accelerate sustainable socio-economic development nationwide.