The Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) has attributed the Federal Government’s decision to reconstruct the Akwanga-Jos highway to what it described as Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s sustained engagement with President Bola Tinubu and other federal authorities over the deteriorating condition of the road.
The group also commended President Tinubu for approving and flagging off the reconstruction of the strategic highway, saying the project would significantly improve transportation, commerce and security across the North-Central region.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Chris Ishaku, the group said Mutfwang consistently drew the Federal Government’s attention to the importance of rehabilitating the road through regular consultations and engagements in Abuja.
According to the group, the governor’s persistent advocacy ensured that the project received the attention it deserved at the federal level.
PVD described the Akwanga-Jos highway as a critical economic and security corridor linking Plateau State with Nasarawa and other parts of the country, noting that its reconstruction would benefit motorists, traders, commuters and residents along the route.
The group said the project demonstrated that constructive collaboration between state and federal governments could deliver tangible development projects for citizens.
While acknowledging the governor’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), PVD said the political alignment had strengthened his ability to canvass federal support for Plateau State’s infrastructure needs.
“This is not about political celebration. It is about the welfare of the people. However, we must also acknowledge that the governor’s alignment with the ruling party has opened wider doors of engagement and made it easier for him to push Plateau’s case before the Federal Government,” Ishaku said.
The group urged residents and road users to cooperate with contractors during construction, noting that temporary inconveniences would be outweighed by the long-term benefits of the project.
It added that upon completion, the reconstructed highway would reduce travel time, improve trade, enhance security operations, lower accident rates and stimulate economic activities across Plateau, Nasarawa and neighbouring states.
PVD also called on the contractors to deliver quality work and reaffirmed its support for Governor Mutfwang, saying his commitment to infrastructure, peace and development remained evident through his efforts to attract federal projects to the state.