Taraba Completes $3B Road to Boost Tourism and Trade

Governor Agbu Kefas just gave residents of Ibi, Nigeria something they've needed for years: a smooth, reliable road to one of the country's biggest cultural events.

The newly commissioned Ibi-Nwonyo road stretches five kilometers through Taraba State, directly connecting communities to the Nwonyo International Fishing Festival. Before this road, getting to the festival meant navigating rough terrain that frustrated locals and tourists alike.

The project cost over ₦3 billion (about $3 million USD) and was completed in just over a month after being awarded in March 2026. Governor Kefas made infrastructure in underserved rural areas a priority, and this road delivers on that promise.

For the thousands who attend the annual fishing festival, the difference will be immediate. What used to be a challenging journey is now a straightforward drive, making the celebration accessible to more families and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

But the road does more than ease festival traffic. Permanent Secretary Samuel Lauya explained that residents now have year-round reliable access for transporting goods, reaching markets, and connecting with neighboring communities.

The Ripple Effect

This single road is creating waves of opportunity across the region. Local businesses can now transport products more efficiently, cutting costs and expanding their customer base. Tourism to the area is expected to grow as word spreads about easier access to the internationally known festival.

The timing comes with even better news. Governor Kefas announced that the federal government will resume work on the Ibi Bridge project following productive conversations with President Bola Tinubu last week. That bridge will further strengthen connectivity to Taraba State, potentially unlocking even more economic growth.

Construction company Mould Nigeria Limited completed the road project, with Managing Director Samuel Oyafemi expressing pride in contributing to Taraba's development. The collaboration between state government and private contractors shows what's possible when infrastructure becomes a shared priority.

For communities that have felt overlooked, this road represents something bigger than asphalt and engineering. It's a tangible sign that rural areas matter, that their festivals and economies deserve the same investment as urban centers.

The Nwonyo International Fishing Festival just got a whole lot easier to reach.