Former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Monday, commissioned 18 completed township roads constructed within Bauchi metropolis by the State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

The projects, covering a total length of 49.7 kilometres, were executed at an estimated cost of ₦13.7 billion to improve connectivity, transportation, security and access to essential services within the state capital.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the projects as practical and impactful governance that would benefit the teeming residents.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed, saying the road projects represented “visionary leadership, responsive governance and purposeful investment in infrastructure.”

The former President noted that roads remain critical to economic growth because they “connect communities, facilitate commerce, create opportunities and promote inclusive development.”

Goodluck Jonathan further described Bala Mohammed as a former strong member of his administration and urged the people of Bauchi State to continue supporting the government and protecting public infrastructure.

He said the true essence of governance was measured not by promises but by lives transformed through effective service delivery, transparency and accountability.

Speaking earlier, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the prudent management of public resources and the provision of infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life of residents.

The Governor also said his administration had set a target of constructing not fewer than 5,000 kilometres of roads across the state and had so far completed approximately 3,000 kilometres since assuming office in 2019.

He stressed that the government’s road programme was not merely about construction but about “opening economic opportunities, improving livelihoods and laying a foundation for sustainable development.”

The Governor explained that the completed township roads were constructed in accordance with engineering standards and included durable pavements, drainage systems, traffic signs, road markings, speed-calming measures and solar-powered street lighting on selected routes.

He also appealed to residents to protect the roads as public assets and avoid activities that could damage the infrastructure.

In his welcoming remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Titus Uba Ketkukah, said the commissioning reflected the commitment of both the state and federal governments to infrastructure development.

He assured that the ministry would continue to ensure that road projects were properly executed, delivered and certified in line with approved engineering standards and specifications.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, thanked the former President for always identifying with Bauchi State, saying he had proven to be a worthy son of the state.

The Emir commended Bala Mohammed for transforming the state far better than it was in 2019, when he was elected and sworn in, saying the people had truly experienced the dividends of democracy.

He assured that the people of Bauchi State would continue to support the administration in its efforts to make the state better and comparable to others in the country.