Tinubu Flag -Off Reconstruction Of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road In Kaduna State Worth Over N178 Billion

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Tinubu Flag -Off Reconstruction Of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road In Kaduna State Worth Over N178 Billion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road, in Kaduna State describing the project as “vital for trade, agriculture, investment and national integration.“

Tinubu who was represented at the ceremony by the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani said, the 122.89-kilometre road, approved at a contract sum of N178.116 billion, is one of “the most important transport corridors in Northern Nigeria linking the North-West with the Federal Capital Territory, North Central, South-West and Lagos State.

In his address, Sen. Uba Sani said, “I bring warm greetings and a special message from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His message is simple: he stands firmly with the people of Kaduna State, particularly the people of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.”

Gov. Sani noted that Kaduna State has continued to benefit from the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the state.

According to him, “Recently, President Tinubu also approved about $865 million for the Kaduna Light Rail Project, making Kaduna the second state in Nigeria after Lagos to benefit from such a major urban rail initiative.

“The Federal Government is equally executing other critical projects in the state, including the Western Bypass, while work is expected to resume on the Eastern Bypass in the coming weeks. These projects will further improve transportation, support economic growth and ease traffic within Kaduna metropolis.”

Recalling the President’s earlier promise to the people of Birrnin Gwari during the 2023 Presidential Election campaign in Kaduna State, Gov. Sani disclosed that, “On December 22, 2022, during the presidential campaign, President Tinubu insisted on visiting Birnin Gwari despite security concerns and advice that the area was unsafe because of the high level of banditry and insecurity.

“His decision demonstrated courage, determination and a clear commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting the area. At that meeting, the President made two important promises to the people of Birnin Gwari.

“First, he pledged to restore peace and security. Second, he promised to reconstruct the Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road. Today, both promises are being fulfilled. Security has improved significantly, and we are here to flag off the reconstruction of this

“I express my profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the funds for this project. I also commend the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, whose commitment and support ensured that this important project became a reality.

“The people of Birnin Gwari are already witnessing the dividends of improved security. Residents can now move freely without police escorts, while farmers have returned to their farms and businesses are gradually thriving again.

“For more than two decades, Birnin Gwari witnessed little or no road infrastructure. Today, the Kaduna State Government is constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads connecting 72 farming communities in the local government area. These projects are a direct result of the peace and stability that have returned to the area,” he said.

The governor however acknowledged the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Armed Forces and all security agencies for their sacrifices in restoring peace to Birnin Gwari and other parts of Kaduna State.

“We remain grateful to our traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations, women and youth groups whose support has contributed immensely to sustaining peace.

To the people of Igabi, Chikun, Birnin Gwari and every community along this corridor, this project belongs to you. Protect it, support its successful execution and continue working with government and security agencies to preserve the peace we have collectively achieved.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi explained that For years, this corridor was associated with insecurity and banditry, but with improved security and the commencement of this project, it will once again become a major route for commerce, agriculture and national integration.

The reconstruction, according to Umahi will reduce travel time, boost economic activities, improve security and open up vast agricultural communities.

“This is a strategic corridor linking Kaduna to Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos, making it one of the shortest routes between Northern Nigeria and the country’s commercial capital.”

While chiding his critics, Engr. Umahi stated that, “Some critics claim that the Federal Government is only constructing new roads while neglecting existing ones. That is not true. This administration is rehabilitating and reconstructing major existing federal highways across the country, including the Sokoto–Zamfara–Funtua–Zaria Road, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, the Enugu–Onitsha Road, the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road, the Bodo–Bonny Road and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Highway, many of which had been abandoned for years.

“The President has demonstrated exceptional commitment to infrastructure development. The first section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, covering 118 kilometres, has been completed, while solar streetlights are being installed along the corridor. Work is progressing steadily on other sections, and only about 60 kilometres remain for the entire project to be completed.

“Governor Uba Sani consistently impressed upon the President and the Ministry of Works that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road should be prioritised because of its strategic importance to Northern Nigeria. Today, that commitment has produced results.”

The Minister reiterated that road infrastructure is one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity, reducing transportation costs, promoting agriculture and stimulating economic growth.

Adding that it also improved roads, create opportunities for commerce, education and investment while enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

This is as he congratulated Governor Uba Sani on securing the approval for the 50-kilometre Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about $868 million. It is a landmark project that will further transform transportation within the state.

According to the Minister, “Democracy thrives on constructive criticism, not insults or misinformation. We welcome genuine criticism that offers practical alternatives because it helps government improve. The President’s reforms are already yielding results, and Nigerians will continue to witness greater dividends as more infrastructure projects are completed.

“This administration is committed to transparency. Every kobo borrowed is being invested in critical infrastructure that Nigerians can see and use. The reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road is another testament to President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to connect communities, strengthen security, promote agriculture and accelerate national development.

“I join the Emir of Birnin Gwari and the good people of Kaduna State in praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We pray that God grants him good health and wisdom to complete his first term successfully and, by His grace, a second term as well. I also extend the same prayers to my brother, Governor Uba Sani, whose leadership has brought peace, unity and development to Kaduna State.

“I thank the Emir for reminding everyone that President Tinubu is a leader who keeps his promises. The commitment made in November 2022 to reconstruct the Birnin Gwari Road has today become a reality with the official flag-off of this project. The President rewards loyalty, believes in fairness and is committed to equitable development across every part of Nigeria.

“Governor Uba Sani deserves commendation for his dedication to the people of Kaduna State. He has united the people, prioritised infrastructure and consistently advocated for projects that will improve the lives of citizens.”

The project was awarded to J. Patel & Sons Ltd on the 5th May 2026 and commenced on the 18th May, 2026. It is expected to be completed on the 17th May, 2028. The works will involve milling the existing asphaltic surface to form sub base course. The base will comprise of 200mm thick stone base in two layers, first layer of 100mm thick will be treated with 3.5% cement.

The carriageway of 7.3m will be made of 60mm asphalt binder course and 40mm wearing course while the shoulders (200mm thick) is 2m wide either side is to be executed in CRCP.

The road is in a state of disrepair and the Contractor will be required to do an extensive work in the critically failed areas.

These will include removing and replacing the unsuitable soils that do not meet engineering strength properties. The Contractor will also be required to construct about 65km of concrete lined drains at township and at places required.