By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
For equity to reign, the Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to include the North East region in the Super Highway projects, while commending President Bola Tinubu for approving N4.2 trillion for coastal road projects.
The Senate’s call was prompted by a motion moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (APC Gombe Central), which highlighted the inadequate allocation of funds to the North East region. Out of the N4.2 trillion allocated for road projects nationwide, only N19 billion was allocated to the North East for the rehabilitation of two roads ¹.
Senator Goje expressed concern that the North East region has only two projects, namely the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road in Adamawa State and another project, which are part of the N4.2 trillion road projects. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to include the North East in the Super Highway projects to promote socio-economic development and address the region’s infrastructural challenges.
The Senate also commended President Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to revamping the country’s road infrastructure.
The President had approved the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across key sectors, including transportation, agriculture, and energy.
In supporting the motion, Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) noted that the expansion of the road project would improve the economy of the North East and parts of the North Central regions. Senator Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau) also emphasized the need to start the Akwanga-Jos-Gombe road project, which is crucial for the region’s development.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed his support for the motion, stating that he looks forward to using the completed roads.
The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a 477-kilometer six-lane Super Highway connecting five states and the Federal Capital Territory.
