By Joshua Felix
Being a regular user of the road before and after he became Governor and following the legitimate concerns of Nigerians particularly those who pass through Jos to the North East of Nigeria, Governor Caleb Mutfwang took it upon himself to mobilise relevant stakeholders to persuade President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the construction and dualization of the aforementioned road.
It is gratifying to note that after visits by Governor Mutfwang to the Honourable Minister of Works, the ever hard working and competent Engr. David Umahi, the Minister persuaded Mr. President to listen to the cries of Nigerians who pass through the Abuja- Jos- North East corridor.
This efforts culminated into the presentation of a well articulated memo to the National Council of States meeting, where approval was given for the inclusion of this road among the President’s legacy road projects!
To match words with action, Mr. President proceeded to negotiate and secure a Chinese EXIM Bank facility of about $1.1 billion ! Infact things are moving so fast that Messrs CGC have been appointed contractors for the project.
At the moment, designs are being finalised with the active inputs from the Plateau State Government. It is hoped that the procurement process will follow soon so that by 2025 actual construction will begin.
In the interim, Governor Mutfwang has engaged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to explore collaboration for remedial intervention pending the commencement of the dualization of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works.
As the Mutfwang administration turns full throttle and looks good towards the future, there is no doubt that the people’s Governor’s politico-economic and social mantra will continue to deploy subtle diplomacy and prolific political soldiering, using lobbying and forward-looking politics or politics without bitterness, to bring home more dividends of democracy.
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