President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, fulfilling a key campaign promise made during the 2022 presidential electioneering.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday in Kaduna State, saw Governor Uba Sani represent the President, who recalled visiting Birnin Gwari in December 2022 despite security warnings over banditry and kidnapping in the area.
“At that meeting in Birnin Gwari, I pledged to reconstruct the road from Mando, Kaduna, to Birnin Gwari. I also promised to restore security and normalcy to the region. Today, both commitments have been honoured,” Tinubu said.
Describing the route as a strategic national asset linking the North-West to the South-West through several states down to Lagos, the President confirmed that the Federal Executive Council had approved ₦178.12 billion for the reconstruction.
Governor Sani praised the President and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for securing funding and approval, while revealing that the Kaduna State Government is constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area—projects he said attest to the gradual return of peace and stability.
The governor also noted other federal projects approved for the state, including the Kaduna Light Rail Project valued at approximately $865 million, and confirmed progress on the Western Bypass and other critical infrastructure.
Asserting that Northern Nigeria is witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure investment, Sani declared: “We thank President Tinubu for his love for the North, for humanity, and for progress. We are grateful that he recognises Kaduna as the heart of Northern Nigeria.”
He pledged continued political support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding: “Public trust is strengthened when promises are matched by practical action.”
Earlier, Minister Umahi hailed Tinubu as “a promise keeper” committed to equitable infrastructure development nationwide. He said the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road would enhance security, reduce travel time, and boost agriculture and commerce along the corridor.
“This road is not just about transportation,” Umahi stated. “It is about restoring economic life, improving security, promoting agriculture, and connecting millions of Nigerians to greater opportunities.”
The minister confirmed that construction would commence simultaneously from both ends of the project, with features including solar-powered street lighting and extended drainage systems.