Tinubu Flags Off 40km Babban Lamba–Sharam Road Project, Pledges Renewed Hope For Plateau

The Federal Government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the second phase of the Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in the Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, a landmark infrastructure project expected to transform transportation, boost agriculture, improve security and stimulate economic activities across the North-Central and North-East corridors.

The project, flagged off on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, covers the construction of a 40-kilometre stretch of the federal highway, including a two-kilometre spur leading to the Kanke Local Government headquarters.

The road forms part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda aimed at improving connectivity and unlocking economic opportunities across the country.

Speaking during the ceremony, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the project as a major milestone for the people of Plateau, noting that the road would serve as a critical transit route linking several communities and neighbouring states.

“This is a road that today we are flagging off, Section Two. This is a thing of joy that brings a lot of excitement. Today we are very grateful that Mr President has deemed it fit to allow this construction to go on for the benefit of our people,” Mutfwang said.

“It is a transit route to many communities. I’m confident that when this road is completed, many benefits will follow. I know that there are better days ahead, and Plateau will be greater than it is today.”

The governor also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving the project, urging Plateau residents to reciprocate the gesture with continued support for the administration.

In his address, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the project would be constructed using the modern Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, assuring residents of its durability and additional safety features.

“This road shall be done on concrete, and there will be solar lights, tree planting, and surveillance cameras,” Umahi said.

He explained that the CRCP technology would provide a longer-lasting pavement with minimal maintenance while ensuring better value for public funds.

According to the project brief, the rehabilitation covers the remaining 40 kilometres of the 46.625-kilometre Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, including the two-kilometre spur to Kanke Local Government headquarters. The road will feature a 7.3-metre-wide concrete carriageway, five bridges, comprehensive drainage systems, traffic safety facilities and other ancillary infrastructure.

Originally awarded in April 2018, the contract was restructured into two phases by the current administration following the poor performance of the initial contractor. Phase Two has now been awarded to Decency Associates Limited to ensure speedy completion.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, assured the people that the National Assembly would provide full legislative support to guarantee the timely execution of the project.

“This road will open up what nature has given to you and encourage not only agriculture but also tourism,” he said. “We will make sure that all the money approved for the road is released so that the road will be completed in record time.”

Traditional ruler Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong Ngas, described the project as a historic intervention capable of reviving commerce and restoring hope to communities along the corridor.

“The flag-off of this strategic road is an epoch-making intervention which will revive commerce and rekindle hope along the corridor and other parts of the state,” he said.

He also commended Yilwatda for his role in attracting development to the area.

Yilwatda highlighted the strategic importance of the road to national trade and security.

“This road is very important to the North-East corridor of Nigeria. This is a trade road for our people. It will connect communities and boost farming activities,” he said. “The President is doing well in ensuring that we have good and motorable roads for all citizens. This project will strengthen economic activities in our communities and improve security because it will have surveillance cameras, street lights, two police stations, and monitoring stations.”

The Babban Lamba–Sharam Road links Plateau with Nasarawa, Gombe, Kaduna and Adamawa states, serving farming communities, commercial centres, markets and security formations. The Federal Government said the project is expected to enhance the movement of agricultural produce, facilitate trade, improve access to rural communities, and strengthen regional integration.

The flag-off ceremony climaxed with Yilwatda, Mutfwang, Umahi, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and other dignitaries performing the symbolic commencement of construction, signalling the beginning of what stakeholders described as a transformative infrastructure project for Plateau State and Nigeria.

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