Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commissioned 18 completed township road projects executed by the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
The 18 roads, covering a total of 49.7 kilometres, were constructed across Bauchi metropolis and its environs.
They include: Yelwa BRC 2 FM Road, Sabon Kaura, Gwallameji-Doka-Rafin Zurfi Road, Bayara Township Road, dualisation of Muda Lawal Road, Malam Goje-Muda Lawal Road, Yakubu Wanka Street, Shagari Road, Sam Njuma Road, Jaja Road, Gwangon-Gwabba Road, Karofi-Dumi Road, Nufawa Road, Dorawa Close, International Conference Centre Road, Central Market-Wunti Street, Bayan Nital Road, dualisation of Sabon Gari Road, and dualisation of Murtala Mohammed Road.
Speaking at the commissioning, former President Jonathan said no society can achieve sustainable economic growth and development without modern and reliable infrastructure.
“Roads are critical to the development of any state as they connect communities, facilitate commerce, create opportunities and promote inclusive growth,” he said.
Jonathan noted that the confidence reposed in Governor Bala Mohammed by the people of Bauchi State was justified by the transformation taking place across the state.
“Governor Bala Mohammed has consistently demonstrated leadership through tangible improvements in the lives of the people. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development reflects a clear vision for a more prosperous and inclusive Bauchi State,” he said.
The former president said he was not surprised by the governor’s achievements, having known him over the years and being aware of his passion for service and commitment to development.
He urged residents to support the government and protect the newly commissioned roads and other public infrastructure.
“Roads are not merely physical infrastructure; they are investments in a connected future. Their maintenance and protection are a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of every citizen of the state,” he said.
Jonathan expressed confidence that Bauchi State would continue on the path of peace, stability and sustainable development through prudent management of resources and strong partnership between government and the people.
Governor Bala Mohammed said his administration resolved from inception to embark on projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
“We believe that quality roads are essential because they connect communities, stimulate commerce, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, the completed township roads were strategically constructed to link key economic areas, commercial centres, educational institutions, security formations and public facilities within the state capital.
He said the projects were executed at a cost of over ₦58 billion, with the aim of improving connectivity, transportation, security and access to essential services within Bauchi metropolis.
“Beyond improving mobility, these roads are stimulating economic activities, enhancing the beauty of our capital city, increasing property values and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development,” the governor said.
“Most importantly, during construction, they provided both skilled and unskilled workers with opportunities for employment and self-development.”
Governor Bala added that the roads were built to modern engineering standards, with durable pavements, efficient drainage systems, reinforced culverts, concrete kerbs, traffic signs, thermoplastic road markings, speed-calming measures, and solar-powered street lighting on selected routes.
He said while significant attention had been given to Bauchi metropolis, the administration was also investing in rural and semi-urban roads because of agriculture’s importance to the state’s economy.
“Good rural roads enable farmers to transport their produce, reduce post-harvest losses, improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, strengthen security and promote inclusive development,” he said.
“Our desire was to develop about 5,000 kilometres of roads, but so far, we have completed about 3,000 kilometres,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy through continued investment in roads, bridges, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, housing and other critical sectors.
He also thanked Jonathan for his friendship and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“Your presence has added great honour and national significance to this occasion,” he said.
Governor Bala appealed to residents to protect the roads as public assets by keeping drainage channels clear, avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and preventing vandalism of public infrastructure, especially the solar-powered streetlights.
The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Titus Uba Ketkukah, said the commissioning reflected the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He assured that the ministry would continue to ensure that road projects are properly executed, delivered and certified in line with approved engineering standards and specifications.
