Governor Umar Namadi has declared that Jigawa State remains the leading state in road infrastructure across Nigeria, as independently confirmed by the World Bank, during an official visit by the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), led by the committee’s chairman, Dr Aderemi Abbas Oseni.
While receiving the committee at the Government House, Dutse, Mr Namadi highlighted the state’s unmatched achievements in road construction and maintenance across the country.
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“As of today, we are number one in Nigeria in terms of road networks. That’s not me saying it—it’s from the World Bank,” he said.
“We inherited 320 km of roads. Out of 26 projects, 25 have been completed. In December last year, we awarded contracts for 47 roads covering over 970 km. Some of these projects have reached over 50% completion. Others are at different stages.”
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Despite these gains, the governor raised concerns over abandoned federal road projects under FERMA’s purview, particularly the Kafin Hausa–Kwanar Liman–Hadejia road, which he said has remained untouched for over five years.
He also drew attention to the deteriorating Gumel–Megatari road and the Birnin Kudu–Gwaram road, including a critical federal bridge on the Gwaram axis that has shifted and poses a serious threat.
“We’ve reported these issues to the Federal Ministry of Works, but budgetary allocations are always minimal—sometimes only ₦100–N200 million, leading to ineffective maintenance.”
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Governor Namadi praised the committee’s oversight role in taking time to assess road infrastructure projects across the country, stressing that Jigawa State is committed to strong collaboration with the federal government on infrastructure delivery.
“Jigawa is working closely with the federal government to improve infrastructure. And we will continue to partner with committees like yours to deliver for our people.”
Speaking earlier, Mr Oseni commended the Jigawa State Government for the strides recorded in road infrastructure and prudent management of resources.
“I’ve been to many states, and I must say, from what I’ve seen and heard, Jigawa is truly blessed with a competent leader,” he said.
“What has been done here, what is happening here today, and what has been done so far in the last one year in Jigawa State is a clue that Jigawa State is blessed with the right person at the helm of affairs.”
He pledged that the committee would work to address FERMA’s funding gaps and prioritize Jigawa’s federal road projects in the 2026 appropriation.
“We will objectively analyse the areas not covered by FERMA and ensure that more funding is added. We are proud of what is happening here, and we will do everything within our reach to support your vision.”
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