Governor Sule Opens Major 5.2km Akwanga Bypass, Local Roads

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has officially commissioned the newly completed 5.2-kilometre Akwanga-Jos bypass, located within the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state. In addition to this significant project, Governor Sule also inaugurated one-kilometre road segments in Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba LGAs. These local road projects were executed by the respective council chairmen and form part of the activities marking the state's 30th anniversary, which falls on October 1, 2026.

Speaking during the bypass inauguration event in Akwanga LGA on Saturday, Governor Sule emphasized that the 5.2km road represents a crucial intervention designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Akwanga town and stimulate economic activities across the region. He further elaborated that the new bypass significantly cuts down travel time for motorists journeying from Keffi or Gudi towards Jos by over 5km, while also helping to reduce the frequency of accidents within the town and extending the lifespan of existing township roads.

“This is more than a road. It is an economic corridor. For years, our people in Akwanga have suffered traffic gridlock and accidents because all vehicles going towards Jos must pass through the heart of the town. Today, we have provided an alternative route that will bring relief to our people and open up new areas for development,” Governor Sule stated. He also lauded the contractor for completing the project on schedule and in line with specified standards. The governor assured that the bypass was constructed to the same high standard as federal highways to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles and pledged to install solar street lights along the road to enhance motorist safety at night. He reiterated his administration's commitment to continuing its focus on both urban and rural road development across all 13 LGAs of the state.

In their separate remarks, the chairmen of Akwanga (Sadiyanu Isa-Andaha), Nassarawa-Eggon (Ilita Aliyu), and Wamba (Ezekiel Jaga) expressed their gratitude to the governor for granting autonomy to local government areas in the state. They committed to undertaking more projects that directly benefit grassroots communities, thereby complementing the efforts of both state and federal governments.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, outlined the anniversary celebrations, which are scheduled to commence on Friday with Juma’at Prayers at the Old Secretariat Juma’at Mosque. This will be followed by a series of project inaugurations throughout the state, an interdenominational church service at St. William’s Cathedral Lafia, and visits to correctional facilities for prerogative of mercy, among other events. Dr. Akabe added, “There shall be an Inter-State Novelty Football Match (Plateau and Nasarawa), Plateau-Nasarawa @30 reunion, Award of Distinction and lastly, the Independence Day Celebration and 30th Anniversary of the Creation of Nasarawa State.” He concluded by noting that “This celebration is about our people, our cultures and our common identity. It is about paying tribute to our founding fathers, former and serving governors, traditional institutions, women, youths, public servants and every citizen who has contributed to Nasarawa’s growth.”

Yakuba Kwanta, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, also commented, predicting that the new bypass would encourage the emergence of new settlements and commercial ventures along its route. The Chun Mada, Samson Gamu-Yare, a prominent traditional ruler in the area, commended the governor for the intervention, highlighting that the bypass would put an end to the daily challenges faced by motorists and residents in Akwanga. “Our town is a gateway to the North-East and Plateau. This bypass will save lives and bring more development closer to our people. We are grateful,” the royal father remarked. Other notable attendees at the event included Senator Danladi Halilu-Envulanza, various traditional rulers, Commissioners, leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state, and local residents.