…FG flags off Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road in Plateau
By Golok Nanmwa
JOS — President Bola Tinubu has said his administration’s economic reforms have freed state governments from borrowing to pay workers’ salaries, attributing the development to increased revenue allocations that now enable states to meet salary obligations, settle gratuities and undertake development projects.
The President, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remarks on Thursday during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Tinubu said the administration’s reforms had strengthened the economy and significantly improved revenues accruing to states.
“Our economic reforms are improving governance because all the economic indicators are pointing in a positive direction, from our GDP to our foreign reserves and other economic indices.
“Nigeria has turned from amber to green. These are positive signs for our economy. Today, more revenues are coming to the states. No state receives less than three to four times what it used to receive.
“State revenues have increased, and states can now afford to execute projects without collecting loans or issuing bonds.
“Before we came into office, over 30 states were owing salaries. Today, no state is owing salaries because the improved revenue allows them to pay salaries, gratuities and also embark on developmental projects,” he said.
Tinubu described the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road as a strategic federal highway that would stimulate economic growth by linking Plateau with Nasarawa, Kaduna, Gombe and Adamawa states, while strengthening trade and movement across the North-Central and North-East.
He said the project forms part of the administration’s legacy infrastructure programme aimed at connecting communities, improving security, reducing travel time and promoting inclusive economic development.
“This project is not just a road. It will connect communities, businesses, families and farmlands. It will improve security, reduce travel time by over 100 kilometres and create prosperity across Northern Nigeria,” he said.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government is currently executing 61 road projects across the North-Central geopolitical zone, with five completed, 25 major projects under construction and 31 emergency intervention projects ongoing.
He also highlighted other flagship infrastructure projects of the administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto Super Highway and the Calabar-Abuja corridor, saying they would improve connectivity and economic integration across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Federal Government terminated the earlier contract covering the first 6.15 kilometres of the road due to the contractor’s poor performance.
Umahi said the remaining 40 kilometres would be reconstructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement, which he described as President Tinubu’s legacy road standard.
“I was not satisfied with the quality of work and the delay. In line with the provisions of the contract, we terminated that section and commenced a new phase that will be delivered using reinforced concrete pavement for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
He disclosed that the road would be fitted with solar-powered streetlights, security cameras, observation stations and tree planting to improve safety and environmental sustainability.
The minister also assured the Plateau State Government that the Federal Government would consider constructing a bypass on the Akwanga-Jos Road to ease traffic congestion.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended President Tinubu for reviving the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Road project, which was first awarded in April 2018 but had remained largely dormant.
He described the project as a major boost to economic activities in Plateau and neighbouring states.
“No President has remembered Plateau in terms of infrastructure like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This road is more than a road; it is an opening of opportunities and a gateway to greater economic possibilities,” the governor said.
Mutfwang added that the project, alongside the ongoing reconstruction of the Akwanga-Jos Road, would improve transportation, commerce and regional integration.
He appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Jos–Mangu–Kanke–Shendam–Ibi Road linking Plateau and Taraba states, describing it as another strategic federal highway with significant economic potential.
Also speaking, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and implementing policies aimed at repositioning the economy.
He said the rehabilitation of the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road demonstrated the administration’s commitment to equitable distribution of federal projects and would boost agriculture, commerce and other socio-economic activities in Plateau and neighbouring states.
The Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road, first awarded on April 26, 2018, is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and agricultural produce, and enhance socio-economic development across the North-Central and North-East regions when completed.
