By Editor
For years, the road linking Kano State Border through Dutse and Kiyawa to Bauchi State Border told a familiar story to residents of Jigawa: deep potholes, flooded sections, broken vehicles and lives lost to avoidable accidents. Today, that story is changing.
When the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned the completed emergency and special intervention repairs on the Kano-Dutse-Kiyawa-Bauchi road, the mood across communities along the corridor was one of gratitude, relief and renewed hope.
Nigeria This moment reports that the visit was led by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement in the North-west, Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai and the Director Information, Ministry of Works, Mr. Ahmad Abdullahi.
Earlier, SSA to the President, Tanko-Yakasai said described the project as distinct and demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to uplift the lives of citizens
Tanko-Yakasai commended Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for spearheading the execution of the projects designed to boost socio-economic development.
Standing by the roadside, Mustafa Issa Al-Nazar, a resident and beneficiary of the project, described what the intervention means to ordinary people.
“We are part of this community that is benefiting from this work, and we really appreciate what the government has done for us. The work is even better than what we have seen before,” he said.
While praising the quality of construction, Al-Nazar also spoke from daily experience, calling attention to a lingering challenge.
“We are appealing to those responsible to also help us with proper drainage. Water still flows into our communities during the rains, and if drainage is constructed, it will really help us live better lives.”
A Road Once Known for Tragedy
For commercial drivers and transport workers, the rehabilitation has been nothing short of lifesaving. Ado Nuhu, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Local Government Branch, recalled painful memories.
“Before this road was renovated, we lost many men and women in accidents because of its bad condition,” he said. “Now the road is smooth and clear.”
However, with smooth asphalt comes a new concern-over-speeding.
“We are pleading with the Ministry of Works and the company to construct speed bumps from the east, west and south to control speed and prevent new accidents,” he added.
Another resident of Gumel, Nuhu Ibrahim, echoed similar sentiments, noting that what once caused fear has now brought peace of mind.
“We suffered a lot before, but now all that is gone. Our prayer is that the speed of work continues until it reaches Hadejia.”
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, Ismael Ibrahim, described the project as a landmark investment with far-reaching impact.
“This is a very important project that will boost economic activities in Jigawa State,” he said. “It complements the efforts of the Jigawa State Government under Governor Malam Umar Namadi to improve rural accessibility and transport infrastructure.”
He also commended the quality of work observed during the national media tour across Angaza, Kewa, Umal, Hadejia and other locations.
“From what we have seen, the quality of work executed is commendable, and the leadership of the construction firms deserves appreciation.”
From the technical side, Engineer Khalil Abubakar, Managing Director of Global Engineering Limited, explained that while the project faced delays due to funding and budgetary challenges, work has resumed at full speed.
“We had almost 12 months delay due to issues with advance payment, but those problems have been resolved,” he said. “We now hope to complete by December 2026, insha’Allah.”
On quality concerns, he emphasized strict supervision.
“Every certificate of payment goes with quality control tests. Federal engineers are on site, and we also have experienced engineers and the required machines to deliver durable work.”
Residents along the Babura-Kano axis also shared their relief. Harisu Abubakar, a local resident, said traveling to Kano used to be exhausting and dangerous.
“Before, we suffered a lot just to go to Kano and return to our communities. Now, we thank the government for this wonderful renovation.”
The Federal Controller of Works in Jigawa State, Engineer Yusuf Mahmoud, confirmed that the Kano – Kiyawa – Dutse – State Border road rehabilitation is part of the Federal Government’s emergency intervention projects.
“This project was awarded in January 2024, commenced in March 2024, and completed in December 2024,” he said. “Before now, the road had severe cracks and potholes. Today, it has been rehabilitated to a good and lasting condition.”
With reinforced concrete lined drains and asphalt overlays completed at a contract sum of N890.6 million, the road now stands as a symbol of what timely intervention can achieve.
For communities along the corridor, it is more than asphalt and concrete it is safer journeys, revived commerce, and a chance at a better daily life.
Meanwhile, the Chairman Jigawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, has formally commissioned completed emergency repair work on the Kano-Dutse-Kiyawa-Bauchi road executed by the federal government in 2025.