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Buhari Unveils 106km Section 3 Kano-Maiduguri Road
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, inaugurated the 106.341-kilometre Kano–Maiduguri Road, Section 3 Azare–Potiskum linking Bauchi and Yobe states.
The president inaugurated the completed Section 3 of the giant road project in Azare, Headquarters of Katatagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Yalwaji-Katagum, said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to provide quality road infrastructure in the country.
“Our commitment to improve road transport infrastructure; our determination to improve Ease of Doing Business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty is what bring us here today.
“Because the result of our investments in infrastructure is manifesting,” he said.
He said the road was a critical component of the national road network and part of the many roads to prosperity.
The president said that the tarred construction was done with highest quality through the application of modern technologies to enhance safety of motorists, ease movement of goods and services as well as encourage growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Buhari urged motorists and other road users to ensure effective utilisation of the road, protect it and report any damage to the appropriate authorities.
While reiterating commitment to infrastructure development, Buhari cautioned motorists to observe traffic rules to ensure safer roads.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the road would link Bauchi and Yobe states, adding that it would spur development of economic activities.
Fashola, represented by the ministry’s Controller in charge of the North-West Zone, Mr Celestin Sahusu, said the project was awarded at the initial sum of N29.1billion in 2006, adding that it was later reviewed upward to N45.181billion with completion period of 42 months.
Fashola said the total project length was 106.341kilometres comprising 93.2km Azare-Potiskum which involved construction of additional new alignment and rehabilitation of the existing ones.
He listed the project to include construction of 1.173km Azare Link Road; 10.5km Potiskum Bypass, 1.968km Postiskum Link Road, 3.936 single carriageway, three bridges, provision of concrete barrier, street lightening and a 4-way cable ducts, among others.
The minister said that the project earlier expected to be completed in 2010 was extended to November, 2020, noting that, “we have executed several projects of this nature nationwide.”
Fashola said the road would link Katagum, Dambam in Bauchi and Nangere and Potiskum LGAs in Yobe State, adding that the importance of this road cannot be over emphasised.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed lauded the Federal Government for the project, adding that it would open up economic activities and promote the overall wellbeing of the people.
Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Baba Tela, said that his administration had so far constructed about 25 roads covering 200 kilometres across the state under its Urban Rural Renewal programme.
He said the state government in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank would construct about 300kilometre access roads under the Rural Market scheme.
The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the expansion of Bauchi–Kano Road and Bauchi–Maiduguri Road.
He further urged the Federal Government to expedite action on 82km Alkeleri–Futuk Road to link Bauchi with Gombe State, adding that the road was important in view of the mineral deposits in the area.
Mohammed further called on motorists to observe traffic rules, stressing that government would continue to monitor activities on the roads.
Earlier, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Kabir, commended Buhari for the successful completion of the project initiated by the previous administrations.
Umar said that the road would enhance road transportation and security in the benefiting communities.
On his part, Managing Director, Mothercat Construction, Mr Raffi Kevorkian, declared that the company had successfully completed the project within time frame.
Kevorkian appreciated the host communities for their understanding and cooperation which enabled the company to complete the project on time.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a Federal Executive Council committee to move swiftly on measures to further reduce food prices across the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to him, the directive focuses on ensuring safe passage of farm produce across transport routes to cut logistics costs.
“The President has given a matching order with a Federal Executive Council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said at a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents.
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Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced worsening food insecurity since the removal of fuel subsidy, high transport costs, and insecurity on major highways disrupted the movement of goods.
Despite government interventions, food remains largely unaffordable for millions.
The minister said the plan is tied to Tinubu’s broader vision of food sovereignty—beyond availability to ensure affordability, accessibility, and nutrition on a sustainable basis.
To back this up, he revealed that government is set to roll out a Farmer Soil Health Scheme to boost productivity and a revamped cooperative reform initiative to mobilise resources and empower rural farmers.
“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” Abdullahi added.
The event, with the theme, “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” also featured Senate Media Committee Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; ex-presidential aide, Senator Ita Solomon Enang; and NILDS DG, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman.
The Federal Government has warned contractors, including foreign firms, that any breach of regulations in road projects awarded to them may lead to arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning during an inspection of the ongoing dualisation of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State.
The section is being executed by Reynolds Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited.
Responding to questions from journalists, Umahi commended the quality of work on the project but expressed displeasure over the slow pace, stressing that the December completion deadline remains sacrosanct.
On the project, he said:“The quality of the work is excellent, but the pace of work is totally unacceptable. Let me make it very clear to the contractor that this project will neither be reviewed nor varied in price or claims.
“I’m sure we have issued over 10 warning letters to them. If they fail to comply with the completion deadline of December 15, we will not extend it.”
He added that the ministry had already put measures in place to enforce compliance
“The comptroller has negative certificates to issue, and I will recover the money from any of their other projects. All those letters are on record, and when the time comes, they will be invoked. Any contractor who refuses to abide by regulations will have the EFCC and ICPC to contend with,” he said.
Umahi further disclosed that the Federal Government had directed that road projects valued below N20bn would no longer be awarded to expatriate companies, in line with its “Nigeria First” policy aimed at strengthening indigenous capacity in the construction sector.
“This is part of the Nigeria First policy of the Federal Government. Henceforth, no expatriate firm will be awarded any project valued below N20bn. Such projects must go to indigenous companies, while expatriates focus on higher-value projects requiring more technical capacity,” he said.
The minister also noted that the Federal Ministry of Works had adopted a funding prioritisation framework to sustain road projects initially financed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu had directed that none of such projects should be abandoned, adding that priority would be given to critical economic corridors.
Umahi also decried the indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles on highways, saying it was damaging the pavements of completed sections of the road.
He said letters would be sent to state governors and the Inspector-General of Police to enforce punitive measures against defaulters.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Mrs Enwereama Tarilade, said RCC had completed 15km of the right carriageway and commenced work on the left carriageway, with one kilometre already laid in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement.
The Rivers State Government says it will ensure the smooth and successful takeoff of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), in Ogoniland.
This commitment was made yesterday by the Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), during a courtesy visit by the university’s Governing Council and Management team at the Government House, in Port Harcourt.
The high-level delegation was led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Professor Don Baridam and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedu Mmom.
In his address, Administrator Ibas warmly congratulated the pioneer council and management on their appointments, describing their task as both a recognition of individual accomplishment and a historic call to duty.
“This is not just a recognition of your personal achievements but also a call to history to shape an institution that will have a profound impact on Rivers State, the Niger Delta, and indeed our country,” he stated.
The Administrator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the specialized university in Ogoniland, describing the initiative as “timely and strategic.”
He emphasized that the university’s presence offers a critical opportunity to drive research, innovation, and community-focused solutions to the region’s pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
He further noted that the university’s core focus aligns perfectly with the priorities of his administration.“We consider this university not merely as another institution of higher learning but as a strategic partner in our collective effort to rebuild Rivers State under the ongoing state of emergency and beyond,” he affirmed.
Responding to specific requests presented by the delegation, Administrator Ibas assured the university of immediate support in critical areas essential for the its commencement.
These include the provision of operational vehicles, key facilities, and the completion of the access road to the campus, adding that other vital needs, such as perimeter fencing, refuse disposal, and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, would be addressed within the framework of the state’s broader infrastructure and support programmes.
To ensure swift action, the Administrator directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to work closely with the university’s Governing Council to prioritize the sequence of requests, particularly those tied to the commencement of academic activities in September 2025.
“Let me assure you that Rivers State Government will stand as a dependable partner to the Federal University of Environment and Technology. We see this university as part of our long-term investment in knowledge, innovation, and the future of our youths,” he emphasized.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Don Baridam, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community development.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has directed the institution to formally commence its academic session in September 2025, adding that preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth take-off with adequate infrastructure and resources in place.
“Today’s meeting marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the Rivers State Government and FUET, envisioned to establish the university as a premier hub for research, innovation, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta”, he said.