The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a strong cautionary message against the politicization of insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Gombe State on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Minister emphasized that the nation’s security challenges were inherited and did not originate under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Umahi urged Nigerians to view security as a collective national responsibility rather than a tool for partisan political gain, particularly as election cycles approach.
The Minister expressed his disapproval of political actors who use instances of insecurity to criticize the President, describing such actions as unfortunate and unfair. He stressed that those who contribute to instability for the sake of political power will face divine judgment, and he voiced his firm support for the administration’s efforts to overcome current challenges. Umahi also offered prayers for the safe return of individuals recently abducted across various parts of the country and praised the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the developmental progress achieved in Gombe State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the visit, the Minister officially flagged off the construction of the Gombe-Biu Super Highway project on behalf of President Tinubu. This landmark infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately ₦1.245 trillion, is set to be executed by Hitech Construction Company using rigid pavement technology. The project is designed to dualize the critical economic corridor, which links the Northeast with other regions of Nigeria and neighboring West African countries, facilitating trade, transportation, and regional connectivity.
Originally conceived to cover 125 kilometers, the project scope was adjusted to 139 kilometers following consultations with the Gombe State Government to integrate the route through the Northern Bypass. Minister Umahi assured the public that construction activities are slated to commence within the next 30 days. He highlighted the project as a legacy initiative of the Tinubu administration, noting that it addresses a vital transportation link that had seen little improvement since it was last resurfaced in 1976.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya lauded the Federal Government for the approval and commencement of the highway dualization, describing it as a major catalyst for the state’s economic transformation. The Governor noted that the project complements his administration’s ongoing efforts to boost livelihoods and infrastructure development. He further emphasized that the achievements recorded by the APC-led government over the past seven years spanning the tenures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have set a new standard for national development. To ensure the project's success, Governor Yahaya guaranteed the security of all personnel and equipment involved in the construction process.
