New Shendam Road: Hallmark of Governor Sule’s urban renewal drive
By Ali Abare
For decades, the Shendam Road in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, stood as relic from a wasteful past, a symbol of unrealized potential, a single-lane choked by dust, potholes, and the dashed hopes of farmers, traders, and commuters.
Today, its transformation into a modern dual carriageway represents not just infrastructure renewal but the manifestation of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s visionary leadership and a strategic alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
For anyone who may have not visited Lafia during the past six years, the ribbon of nylon road transversing the Three-Arm Zone, with the towering newly constructed multi-billion naira State Secretariat complex dotting the skyline, linking up with yet another multi-billion naira edifice at the Old Total Junction, the Lafia flyover and underpass, highlights the transformation taking place in the state under the present administration led by Governor Sule.
As this critical infrastructure prepares for presidential commissioning on June 25th, its array of streetlights, fluttering greenery, and asphalt tell a story of resilience, innovation, and hope.
The Shendam Road dualization exemplifies technical precision meeting community needs, even as Nasarawa State contends with its emergence as one of the frontline states not only in the North Central geopolitical zone but across the country.
At a time when the state is emerging as an investment hub and centrepiece of mining and solid minerals development in the country, the dualization of Shendam Road is a giant step in the right direction, especially that Lafia, the state capital is being repositioned to play its critical role in terms up catching up with urbanisation to compliment the state’s new image.
Indeed, the new Shendam Road transcends its physical form as a transportation corridor. It has become a powerful symbol of Nasarawa’s development philosophy under Governor Sule’s administration.
By strategically investing in road infrastructure, the state has unlocked agricultural potential, enhanced security, attracted diverse investments, and strengthened governance, all while positioning itself as a logistics hub for north-central Nigeria.
Presently, Shendam Road stands as a testament to the evolving power of targeted infrastructure investment in triggering multi-sectoral development and improving quality of life. Its asphalt carries not just vehicles but the aspirations of a state firmly on the path to sustainable prosperity.
Though originally, the stretch of road running from the Total Junction to link up with Akurba in Lafia North Development Area Council, up to a distance of about 4.5 km, is under the control of the federal government but in the effort to speed up development and in line with the policy thrust of his administration for urban renewal, Governor Sule committed N5.6bn to construct and transform the single lane into a befitting expressway.
This 4.5km reconstructed by the Nasarawa State government is a section of the 53km Lafia-Shendam corridor that was first constructed in 1976, which connects Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi states.
Since its construction in 1976, the road has not been rehabilitated, maintained, or rebuilt since, not until the coming of the present administration.
Built according to specifications for a federal highway, the 4.5km is a dual carriageway with dedicated service lanes, effectively creating an eight-lane thoroughfare for optimized traffic flow. The road consists of a paved surface with a minimum of two lanes, a sub-base, base course, and asphaltic concrete layers.
The pavement structure includes 200mm of laterite sub-base and 200mm of crushed stone base, followed by 60mm of asphaltic concrete binder course and 40mm of asphaltic concrete wearing course.
Furthermore, the road is designed with specific dimensions, including carriageway and shoulder widths, and is subject to regulations regarding axle loads and vehicle dimensions.
Constructed in just 18 months amid fiscal constraints, the project’s accelerated timeline showcases efficient and judicious utilisation of public funds.
Beyond engineering, the road’s true impact lies in its economic renaissance. Governor Sule’s strategic focus on linking Lafia to Shendam’s agricultural belt has unleashed tangible benefits, such as serving as a catalyst for Lafia’s urbanization, amplifying Nasarawa’s agro-mineral economy.
As Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Hon. Adamu Gosho rightly mentioned that such projects “deliver dividends of democracy” by transforming Lafia into a regional trade gateway.
It is a statement of fact that the dualization of the 4.5km Lafia-Shendam Road has delivered significant economic impacts across multiple sectors, as evidenced by infrastructure assessments and community feedback.
For instance, the dualization has reduced congestion and improved travel times for commuters and freight transporters. Residents confirmed smoother access to key administrative hubs such as the Government House, State Assembly, and commercial zones like Shinge Market.
Similarly, new residential and commercial developments emerged along the corridor, particularly around GRA-Bukan-Ari and Tudun Abu linkages. This expansion alleviates urban crowding and creates construction jobs. This is aside numerous SMEs, agro-processing units, logistics hubs, and retail clusters that have emerged along the route since construction began.
This project, being one of the several legacy projects to be delivered by the present administration in the state, demonstrates the governor’s ability to work with stakeholders to drive development and improve the lives of citizens. The project’s completion is a significant milestone in the state’s development journey and a reflection of Governor Sule’s vision for a modern and prosperous Nasarawa.
While the people of the state celebrate this milestone, being the true manifestation of leadership in action, it is only pertinent to note that such landmark achievement showcases the governor’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, which falls in line with President Tinubu’s charge on delivering critical infrastructure development.
It is also on record that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Sule has been prioritizing infrastructure development, recognizing its critical role in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens. Under his leadership, the state is witnessing significant improvements in its road infrastructure, with 639km of roads constructed within the period under review.
“It is pertinent to state that since our assumption of office on May 29th, 2019, we have constructed about 639km road networks across the three senatorial districts of Nasarawa State These roads are constructed along with hydraulic structures, bridges, culvert, and drainage, either to asphaltic pavement finish, surface dressing finish, or earthworks finish,” he stated recently while delivering his address as the special guest during the 30th mid-term review meeting of the National Council of Works (NCW) which held in Lafia.
There is, therefore, no gainsaying the fact that the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development is instrumental towards enhancing the state’s transportation network, boosting economic activity, and improving access to social services.
His vast experience in both human and capital resources management and private sector background embued him with a distinct leadership style that is characterized by his commitment to collaboration, transparency, and accountability. His ability to synergize with the federal government, engage with stakeholders, and prioritize the needs of the citizens has been instrumental in driving development in Nasarawa State.
What President Tinubu said recently while commissioning a road in Abuja that, “What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional artery,” perfectly resonates here. The Shendam Road dualization isn’t just pavement; it’s Governor Sule’s covenant with Nasarawa, a promise that isolation gives way to opportunity, and stagnation surrenders to progress.
Even as the presidential motorcades will glide down its lanes Wednesday, they will traverse more than concrete; they will journey across a landscape reimagined, and a future reclaimed.
Shendam Road, which was previously a single lane road riddled with potholes, now stands as a symbol of progress and urbanization. The roads hold a promise for a greater future being the corridor leading to the Government House, state House of Assembly both federal and state High Court headquarters. In fact, all three arms of government are located on that road, including the State Security Service, Police Command, and 24 Special Squad of Nigeria Air Force, among others.
Additionally, the dualization of the road has also addressed devastating perennial flood in parts of Lafia, the state capital, particularly around Lafia East area, especially when viewed against the additional construction work that was carried out supportive to the actual dualization of the Shendam Road. The paving and channelling of water through the road between the two Lafia graveyards readily comes to mind.
Also, with the Governor Sule administration placing topmost priority on security as the cornerstone of development, Shendam Road plays a pivotal role in improved security deployment with the Nasarawa State Police Command, as well as the Nigerian Air Force Quick Respond Squad both strategically located on this road, making for faster response times to address threats.
Improved accessibility has equally sparked hospitality investments along the corridor, with new hotels and service establishments catering to business travellers and visitors to government institutions. This tertiary economic effect creates jobs beyond the construction phase.
The commissioning of the Shendam Road dualization project by President Tinubu on June 25th is a significant milestone in Nasarawa State’s development journey. This project is a testament to Governor Sule’s commitment to infrastructure development and his vision for a modern and prosperous state.
As the state continues to witness significant improvements in its infrastructure, it is clear that the governor’s leadership will have a lasting impact on the lives of citizens, even as the residents of Lafia celebrate this landmark achievement and look forward to continued development and progress ahead of the period leading to 2027.
Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule.
