Senate Urges FG to Extend Super Highway to North-East 

Abuja, Nigeria  —   The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to extend the ongoing Super Highway project to the North-East region, citing the need for equitable infrastructural development.

This appeal came following a motion sponsored by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central), who lamented the minimal allocation of funds to road projects in the North-East despite the Federal Government’s recent approval of N4.2 trillion for highway construction across the country.

Senator Goje pointed out that out of the total allocation, only N19 billion  was earmarked for two projects in the North-East: Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road in Adamawa State (N11.81 billion) and Lamido Road in Taraba State (N7.68 billion). He argued that several critical road networks in the region, including Bauchi–Gombe, Biu–Gombe, Potiskum–Gombe, Yola–Mubi, and Biu–Damaturu roads, remain in dire need of reconstruction and rehabilitation.

“The North-East is the only geopolitical zone not connected to the Super Highway project, despite its strategic importance,” Goje stated, while acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development.

In a broader resolution, the Senate amended the motion’s second prayer to urge the Federal Government to prioritize rehabilitation of all deplorable roads nationwide rather than limiting the focus to the North-East alone.

During deliberations, several senators backed Goje’s motion while highlighting similar infrastructural challenges in their respective constituencies. Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, clarified that the N4.2 trillion allocation specifically covers the Badagry–Sokoto and Lagos–Calabar Coastal Roads, rather than being distributed along zonal lines.

He further noted that President Tinubu has earmarked N500 billion for ongoing road rehabilitation projects across the country, ensuring that no region is left out.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for a comprehensive road rehabilitation framework, asserting that the persistent road infrastructure crisis in Nigeria stems from years of neglect by past administrations.

By Taiwo  Olatinwo|February 14, 2025.