The Federal Government has assured that the ₦75.47 billion Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua road project in Yobe State will be completed in May 2026, despite unforeseen challenges encountered during construction.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi gave the assurance during an inspection of the project, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that will boost economic activities and improve road accessibility in the state.

Umahi, in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said the interventions are aimed at restoring failed roads, improving access, and supporting economic and social activities in Yobe State and neighbouring areas.

According to the statement, the inspection formed part of a national media tour of federal road projects and the commissioning of emergency and special intervention works. The Yobe State leg of the tour was held on Monday, February 9, 2026, and was led by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in the state, Engr. Nasir Dauda.

Participants included officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, contractors, community leaders and members of the media.

At the rehabilitation site of the Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua road (Section One), Engr. Dauda assured residents of timely completion of the project, noting that it was awarded in 2024 to Messrs JRB Construction Limited with a completion date of May 14, 2026.

The project covers a distance of 79.4 kilometres and is being constructed using Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

Dauda explained that construction commenced from Chainage 49, identified as the most critical section of the road due to severe erosion and flooding.

The Project Manager, Engr. Kabir Fatai, disclosed that over 1.5 kilometres of the pavement had already been completed, with work prioritised on vulnerable sections ahead of the rainy season.
Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the choice of rigid pavement as appropriate, confirming that tests showed a pavement thickness of 200 millimetres.

He noted that the project would boost economic activities, reduce road accidents and significantly shorten travel time.

The inspection team also commissioned an emergency access road project at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum. The 490-metre road was executed to ease movement for staff and students and completed within three months.

Engr. Dauda said the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s concern for the welfare of students. The Rector of the institution, Mallam Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, commended the Federal Government for the project and appealed for additional interventions.

The NSE chairman added that the road would significantly improve mobility within the institution and support academic activities.

Two additional projects—the CABS/Graveyard Road and the limited rehabilitation of Hayin Gada Road—were also commissioned in Potiskum town. The projects form part of the Federal Government’s 260 emergency and special intervention projects nationwide aimed at restoring access, improving safety and easing movement within communities.

The completed projects in Potiskum were commissioned on behalf of the Minister of Works by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Mr Usman Mohammed, who commended the Federal Government for its timely and well-conceived interventions.

The minister’s representative also commissioned the 8.8-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road, which Dauda said was awarded to Messrs Petropan Energy Limited at the cost of ₦1.49 billion and completed within one year.

He explained that the road links several agrarian communities and has significantly improved the transportation of farm produce.

The Yerima of Fune and District Head of Damagum, Alhaji Idris Mai Saleh, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, noting that the road would ease the movement of goods and enhance local livelihoods.

Engr. Abdullahi confirmed that the project meets engineering standards and will further stimulate economic activities. The road was also commissioned by the NUJ vice-chairman on behalf of the minister.