President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the Phase II rehabilitation of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Thursday at Dungung Community in Kanke Local Government Area, was performed on the President’s behalf by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. It was attended by the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi; Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; federal and state lawmakers; traditional rulers; and other dignitaries.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Olufunso Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality and long-lasting road infrastructure. He commended President Tinubu’s vision and praised the leadership of the Minister of Works for driving innovative engineering solutions and restoring public confidence in the nation’s road development programme.

Introducing the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, explained that the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road is a 46.625-kilometre federal highway linking Babban Lamba to Sharam, including a two-kilometre spur to Kanke Local Government Headquarters.

He disclosed that the project, initially awarded in 2018, was restructured into two phases following poor performance by the original contractor. While Phase I covers a 6.15-kilometre section, the outstanding 40 kilometres have been awarded to Decency Associates Limited for construction using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology.

According to Ogbuagu, the project will include a 7.3-metre carriageway, reinforced shoulders, five bridges, drainage systems, traffic safety facilities and other ancillary infrastructure. He described the road as strategically important to Plateau State and neighbouring Nasarawa, Kaduna, Gombe and Adamawa states, noting that it will improve the movement of people, agricultural produce, businesses and security personnel.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the flag-off as the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration for the people of Plateau State, saying the road would unlock economic opportunities, improve transportation and strengthen social integration.

He thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and expressed optimism that the administration would continue to support the state’s development. The governor also appealed to the President to consider reconstructing another strategic federal road linking Mararaban Jama’a, Mangu, Pankshin, Kanke, Langtang, Shendam and Ibi in Taraba State, describing the corridor as vital to the economic development of the North-Central region.

Goodwill messages from political leaders and lawmakers echoed the significance of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, thanked the President, the Minister of Works, Prof. Yilwatda and the people of Plateau State for their collaboration in bringing development to the constituency. He also expressed appreciation to his constituents for their continued confidence in his representation at the National Assembly.

Former Plateau State Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong, praised President Tinubu for fulfilling infrastructure promises to Plateau and commended Senator Umahi for introducing reinforced concrete pavement technology, which he said would deliver more durable roads. He also recalled the Federal Government’s swift intervention in rebuilding a collapsed bridge in Shendam during his tenure and urged continued support for the administration.

Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, congratulated the people of Plateau State on the commencement of the project and praised Hon. Gagdi’s performance in office, describing him as a leader whose re-election reflected the confidence of his constituents. He also commended the Minister of Works for delivering major infrastructure projects across the country.

Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the road as a catalyst for agriculture, tourism and economic development. He assured residents that the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative support and adequate funding to ensure the project’s timely completion.

A major highlight of the event was the conferment of a traditional title on Senator David Umahi by the Paramount Ruler of the Ngas Nation, His Royal Majesty Nde Jika Golit Ngolong Ngas. The monarch said the honour was in recognition of the minister’s contributions to infrastructure development and expressed confidence that the road would reconnect communities, improve commerce and enhance socio-economic activities across the Ngas nation and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the Chief Executive Officer of Decency Associates Limited, Abdul-Hakeem A. Smith, thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works for the confidence reposed in the company. He assured stakeholders that the project would be delivered according to approved engineering standards, contractual specifications and safety requirements, while appealing for the support and cooperation of host communities throughout the construction period.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road forms part of President Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure programme aimed at providing roads capable of serving generations of Nigerians.

He explained that the outstanding 40-kilometre section would be constructed using CRCP technology and announced that the project would also feature solar-powered street lighting, surveillance cameras, tree planting and other modern infrastructure to improve safety and security.

Umahi thanked Governor Mutfwang, Prof. Yilwatda, members of the National Assembly and the people of Plateau State for their support. He also disclosed that the Federal Government was considering additional improvements along the Akwanga–Jos corridor and defended the administration’s infrastructure policies, maintaining that ongoing road projects represent one of the most ambitious investments in Nigeria’s history.

Officially flagging off the project on behalf of President Tinubu, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda assured Plateau residents that Governor Mutfwang’s request for additional federal roads would be conveyed to the President.

He described the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road as a strategic national corridor that would improve trade, agriculture, security and regional integration by linking Plateau with neighbouring states and major economic routes.

Prof. Yilwatda highlighted the administration’s ongoing legacy projects, including major highways, railway expansion, deep seaports and gas infrastructure across the country, saying they demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to balanced national development.

He urged Decency Associates Limited to deliver the project within schedule, engage local youths and artisans, and work closely with host communities to ensure quality execution and shared economic benefits.

The APC National Chairman also commended Senator Umahi for his commitment to infrastructure delivery and thanked Governor Mutfwang, traditional rulers and residents of Plateau State for the warm reception accorded to the Federal Government delegation.

The ceremony ended with the official flag-off of the rehabilitation of the remaining 40-kilometre stretch of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, a project expected to improve transportation, boost agriculture and commerce, strengthen security, and deepen economic integration between Plateau State and neighbouring states.