By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, has described ongoing infrastructure projects in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area as evidence of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to transforming the area from a security-challenged region into a thriving economic hub.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting projects in the council area, Ahmed said the state government was deliberately investing in critical infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, improve healthcare delivery and strengthen commercial activities.
He cited the ongoing construction of the 36-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road, the ultramodern Livestock and Grains Market, and the renovation and upgrading of Jibril Maigwari Memorial Hospital as key interventions aimed at driving development in the area.
According to him, Birnin Gwari is among the 12 local government areas in Kaduna State that had not witnessed a completed road project in more than two decades, making the Bagoma-Gagumi Road a landmark development.
Ahmed said the road, when completed, would connect more than 70 farming communities and provide strategic links between Kaduna State and neighbouring Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger states, boosting trade and agricultural productivity.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being carried out, noting that technical assessments conducted during the inspection confirmed compliance with approved engineering standards.
“The asphalt temperature was measured at 160 degrees Celsius when we arrived at the site, while the compressed thickness of the pavement met the required standards. All quality assurance tests conducted by the agency have been successful,” he said.
A representative of CGC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Yang Jin Peng, commended Governor Uba Sani for providing adequate funding and ensuring a secure environment for construction activities.
He assured residents that work was progressing according to schedule and would be completed before the end of the year.
“We appreciate the support of KADRA and the cooperation of host communities, which have contributed significantly to the smooth execution of the project,” he said.
Residents said they had already begun to feel the impact of the road project.
A resident of Gagumi community, Mallam Labilu Idris, said transportation had improved significantly and the cost of moving farm produce to markets had reduced.
“The difference is remarkable. Before now, travelling from Gagumi to Birnin Gwari often resulted in vehicle breakdowns and expensive repairs. Today, movement is easier, faster and safer,” he said.
He added that the road would position Birnin Gwari as a major commercial destination capable of attracting traders and investors from across the region.
Another resident, Mallam Abubakar Umar Dan’Izala, described the project as life-changing, saying improved roads and enhanced security had made it easier for residents to access farms, markets and healthcare services.
The inspection team also visited the site of the ongoing ultramodern Livestock and Grains Market being constructed in the council area.
Project Manager of JPatel and Sons Nigeria Limited, Mr. Fidel, said the market would feature 140 open shops, 40 enclosed shops, warehouses, an abattoir and other modern facilities designed to boost agricultural trade and commercial activities.
He noted that construction had progressed smoothly without any security incident since work commenced and praised local communities for their cooperation.
The tour concluded at Jibril Maigwari Memorial Hospital, one of 16 general hospitals currently undergoing renovation, upgrading and re-equipping under the Kaduna State Government’s healthcare revitalisation programme.
Ahmed disclosed that the facility was nearing completion, adding that eight of the 16 hospitals earmarked for upgrade had already been completed and were fully operational.
The hospital’s secretary, Mallam Kassim Hassan, described the intervention as the most extensive renovation undertaken at the facility since its establishment.
“Since the establishment of this hospital, no administration has carried out a renovation of this magnitude. Previously, patients had to travel to Kaduna or Niger State for basic scanning and X-ray services because we lacked the necessary equipment,” he said.
According to him, the hospital had already commenced scanning and X-ray services even before the completion of the project, while additional medical equipment promised by the state government was expected soon.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for prioritising healthcare delivery in Birnin Gwari, saying residents were already benefiting from the improvements.
For many residents, the sight of bulldozers replacing the sounds of gunfire symbolises a new chapter for Birnin Gwari, driven by infrastructure development, economic opportunities and renewed confidence in the future.
