President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday officially flagged off the construction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, a key campaign promise made during his 2022 presidential campaign. The ceremony, held in Kaduna State, was represented by Governor Uba Sani, who read the president's address and highlighted the project's strategic importance.
Governor Sani recalled that during the campaign, Tinubu visited Birnin Gwari on 22 December 2022, despite severe security warnings, at a time when the area was one of Nigeria's most dangerous banditry hotspots. The president insisted on going because he believed any leader seeking to lead Nigeria must identify with its people, regardless of risks. The late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, then GOC 1 Division, provided 21 armoured vehicles and military escorts for the visit.
A Journey Through Difficult Terrain
Governor Sani described the campaign trip: "We left Kaduna around 4 p.m. and arrived Birnin Gwari after more than four hours because the road was in terrible condition. At the Emir's Palace, the presidential candidate was honoured with a traditional title." During that visit, Tinubu made two promises: reconstruct the road and restore peace and security to the area.
"Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled both promises. We are here to witness the commencement of this very important road project," Sani said. The governor described the highway as a strategic route linking the North-West to the South-West through five states to Lagos. The Federal Government has approved ₦178 billion for the project.
Security and Economic Impact
Governor Sani noted that security in Birnin Gwari has improved significantly, with residents and commuters now travelling between Kaduna and Birnin Gwari without police escorts. He added that the area had not benefited from any major federal road project in over 20 years until now.
The Kaduna State Government is also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads connecting 72 farming communities in the local government area, which Sani described as dividends of restored peace. Other federal projects in Kaduna include the recently approved $865 million Kaduna Light Rail Project, the ongoing Western Bypass, and the planned resumption of the Eastern Bypass.
Political Support and Praise
Governor Sani expressed confidence in Tinubu's popularity in Kaduna, pledging continued support and predicting an overwhelming victory for the president in the 2027 election. Earlier, Minister of Works David Umahi described Tinubu as "a promise keeper" who rewards loyalty and treats every region fairly. Umahi also commended Sani's leadership, attributing his achievements to his pro-democracy struggle during NADECO.
The project is expected to boost economic activities, improve trade routes, and enhance security in the region, marking a significant milestone in the administration's infrastructure development agenda.
