President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the 700-kilometre Akwanga-Maiduguri Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, expanding the strategic road corridor to 1,100 kilometres.
The extension will take the highway through Taraba State, further strengthening road connectivity between the North-Central and North-East geopolitical zones.
The approval is part of a fresh package of infrastructure projects aimed at improving the nation’s transport network and accelerating economic development, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced.
The Akwanga-Maiduguri Highway was originally conceived as a dual carriageway linking Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu. The newly approved 400-kilometre extension will further expand the corridor into Taraba State, creating an integrated transport network across the region.
Beyond the highway expansion, President Tinubu also approved the reconstruction and completion of several strategic road projects across the country.
The projects include the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement, the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River in Taraba State, and the construction of a 400-kilometre dualised East-West Road stretching from Lokoja to Benin.
Umahi said the approvals underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising critical infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, reducing travel time, and stimulating economic growth through improved road transportation.