By John Alechenu

ABUJA – Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the flag-off of the N1.245 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the 125-kilometre Gombe–Biu highway, describing the project as a major infrastructure intervention for the Northeast.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said the project, flagged off in Liji, Gombe State, by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving critical road infrastructure in the region.

According to a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the lawmaker recalled previous efforts to draw government attention to the condition of the road, including engagements with past administrations and advocacy for improved infrastructure funding.

He noted that his February 11, 2026 correspondence to the Minister of Works, highlighting concerns over the exclusion of the Biu/Damboa/Maiduguri road corridor from the 2026 budget, was followed by the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the project under the NNPC tax credit and infrastructure intervention scheme.

Ndume described the highway as an important economic and social corridor that connects parts of the Northeast with other regions of the country and supports regional trade.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and said it would enhance transportation, stimulate economic activities and improve the quality of life for residents.

The senator also appealed for further expansion of road infrastructure in the region, urging the Federal Government to consider extending the network beyond Biu to Maiduguri, Monguno, Ngala and Yola.

According to him, such projects would strengthen cross-border trade, improve connectivity and support ongoing security and development efforts in the Northeast.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and the Managing Director of HITECH Construction, Mr. Danny Abboud, were among dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremony.