President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled a key campaign promise with the commencement of the 122-kilometre Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road project, according to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who described the development as a major milestone for infrastructure and security in the state.
Speaking on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Sani said the road project fulfils a pledge Tinubu made during the 2022 presidential campaign when he visited Birnin Gwari despite security concerns.
The governor recalled that Birnin Gwari was then one of Nigeria’s worst-hit areas by banditry and kidnappings. He said Tinubu insisted on visiting the community, arguing that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria had a responsibility to meet residents in every part of the country, regardless of the security risks.
According to Sani, the trip required heavy military protection, with the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, then General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, providing 21 armoured vehicles for the journey. He noted that the poor condition of the road meant the convoy took more than four hours to reach Birnin Gwari from Kaduna.
Governor Sani said Tinubu made two major promises during that visit—to reconstruct the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and restore peace to the area. He expressed satisfaction that both commitments were now being fulfilled, noting that residents can now travel to and within Birnin Gwari without police escorts.
Describing the project as economically strategic, the governor said the ₦178 billion road will link the North-West to the South-West, passing through five states before connecting to Lagos. He also commended Minister of Works David Umahi, saying they worked together to secure approval for the project.
Sani added that Birnin Gwari had not benefited from any major federal road project for about two decades before the current administration. He disclosed that the Kaduna State Government is also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in the local government area to improve access and boost agricultural activities.
The governor further highlighted other ongoing federal projects in Kaduna, including the Western Bypass and the proposed resumption of the Eastern Bypass, as well as the federal government’s approval of $865 million for the Kaduna Light Rail project.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Works David Umahi described President Tinubu as a leader who honours his commitments and praised Governor Sani for promoting unity and delivering infrastructure across Kaduna State. Umahi commended the governor’s development efforts, saying they reflect a commitment to democratic values and public welfare.
