The Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, has clarified his role in the ongoing efforts to dualise the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road and establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kanke, dismissing claims that he is taking credit for the efforts of others.
Speaking during an interview, the lawmaker provided detailed legislative and administrative background to both projects, insisting that while he played an active role, the achievements were the result of collective efforts involving the National Assembly, the Plateau State Government, and the Federal Executive.
Background of the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road Project
Senator Plang explained that the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road was originally approved in 2018 during the first term of former President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside the Keffi–Akwanga–Makurdi Road.
According to him, the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road was awarded at $1 billion, equivalent to about ₦333 billion at the time, while the Keffi–Akwanga–Makurdi Road was awarded at $900 million. However, he said the project stalled because the contractor handling the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road failed to meet the funding conditions of the Chinese bank financing the project.
“The memorandum of understanding collapsed with the exit of that government, and funding could not continue,” he said.
Plang added that by the time he assumed office and began engaging the Ministry of Works, the exchange rate had risen to about ₦1,500 per dollar, pushing the estimated cost of the project to over ₦1.3 trillion, making it impractical to fund through the ministry’s regular budget.
Legislative Push for Legacy Project Status
To resolve the funding challenge, the senator said he was advised to pursue inclusion of the road under President Bola Tinubu’s Legacy Projects, which are funded outside the regular budget framework.
He revealed that he moved a motion in the Senate seeking the inclusion of the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road as a legacy project, citing the exclusion of much of the North-Central and North-East from major federal rail and road infrastructure.
Although his motion was initially stepped down, he later collapsed it into a similar motion sponsored by another senator, which proposed extending legacy road projects from Calabar through Makurdi, Adamawa, Gombe and beyond.
“The prayers of both motions were adopted by the Senate, and the Ministry of Works was formally notified,” Plang explained.
He noted that while not all the proposed extensions were approved, the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road was eventually adopted as the fourth legacy road project of the President.
Plang also acknowledged the crucial role played by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whom he described as “very instrumental” in lobbying federal authorities.
“Anytime I went to the ministry, they told me the governor had already been there pleading for the road. I have always thanked the governor for that,” he said.
He stressed that the credit should be shared, noting that sustained advocacy by lawmakers, the executive, and stakeholders made the project possible.
Assurance on Project Scope and Award
The senator disclosed that the road, under the legacy project framework, would be expanded beyond standard dualisation to a six-lane highway, with three lanes on each side.
He further assured that the contract award was imminent, revealing that the Minister of Works had already engaged the contractor during a recent meeting in Abuja.
Clarifying the FMC Kanke Establishment Bill
Addressing similar accusations regarding the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Kanke, Plang explained the legislative process behind establishment bills.
He noted that federal medical centres are created through amendments to existing laws, not through entirely new legislation. As such, his bill was incorporated into a broader Federal Medical Centres Amendment Bill, which consolidated multiple requests from senators nationwide.
“My bill for FMC Kanke passed second reading on February 25, 2023, and subsequently went through third reading,” he said, stressing that the repeal and amendment process was done collectively to accommodate all requests.
Plang insisted that records of the National Assembly clearly show him as the sponsor of the FMC Kanke proposal.
“A Federal Medical Centre is not just a general hospital; it is a tertiary institution with consultants and specialists,” he said, adding that an FMC in Kanke would serve communities across Plateau Central, parts of Bauchi, Southern Plateau, and surrounding areas.
He appealed for public support, saying, “When we are doing well, encourage us to do more. Don’t say it didn’t happen or ask who did it.”
Views on Nigeria’s Political Climate
On the current political climate, Senator Plang expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the party as inclusive and capable of accommodating Nigeria’s diversity.
He attributed the growing interest in the APC to what he called the inclusive leadership style of President Tinubu, adding that internal disagreements after party primaries would not be enough to destabilise the party.
Plang urged politicians and citizens alike to prioritise brotherhood, inclusivity, and service, referencing the national anthem’s call for unity.
“If Nigerians trust one another and leaders provide good governance, inclusivity, and development, there will be no need for opposition,” he said.
He concluded by calling for national cohesion, stressing that political competition should be driven by service to humanity rather than division.