The Federal Government has announced a fresh commitment of N777 billion for the completion of the long-delayed Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway project.
The disclosure was made on Sunday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the flag-off ceremony for section two of the project.
According to Umahi, the 700-kilometre road, which has faced numerous setbacks and cost escalations since it was awarded in 2018, is now set for completion with a renewed timeline and new contractors.
“The company is trusted and has the competence to do the work. The concrete road has commenced; I have seen the quality and have no regret in recommending them to do this work. And we had sections one, two, and three. Section one is in Abuja, Nigeria, and Section three is in Kano.”
“Substantially, the Kano section between Zaria and Kano has been completed by Julius Berger. And so the entire road, 350 kilometres, was the 240 kilometres completed by Julius Berger,” Umahi explained.
Originally awarded to Julius Berger at a cost below N155.7 billion and scheduled for completion within 36 months, the road project’s budget eventually soared to over N600 billion. Despite this, less than half of the road had been delivered over six years.
The contract was later terminated as the government insisted on paying only N740 billion of the contractor’s revised N1.5 trillion valuation.
In the latest phase, Umahi revealed that Infiouest Construction Company has been assigned to handle section two of the project at N525 billion, with a 14-month completion target.
He also announced that sections one and three, totaling 118 kilometres, have been awarded for N252 billion, with 30 percent already disbursed to the contractor.
“The president is not only completing this 280. He has also added about 11 kilometres at the Kano section of the road to take the road to the Aminu Kano International Airport. And that work is going on now. Together with the remaining section in Kano State,” Umahi added.
He further stated, “The entire road – the president also directed that there should be solar lights throughout. And so today, the President has awarded the completion of sections 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252bn.”
Praising Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his role in pushing for the project, Umahi said, “You have gotten close to a trillion to complete this road; you are a very smart governor; I know the president trusts you in his heart, so you have to give me the magic so that I will tell the governors of the South-East to adopt your style.”
“This 700 kilometres of roads will be completed under you, courtesy of our dear president. Not only will it be completed, but it will be completed in concrete reinforced pavements,” he added.
Umahi also applauded the governor’s inclusive governance approach and security collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA), stating that “residents sleep with two eyes closed.”
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Governor Uba Sani highlighted the economic and social significance of the road, calling it a “vital artery for the people of Northern Nigeria.”
“We are here to commence the reconstruction of one of the most important roads in Nigeria. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is a vital artery for the people of Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on his advocacy as a senator, Sani said, “I must point out here that it has been a long struggle pulling off today’s event. As a senator representing Kaduna Central in the 9th Senate, I mobilised other federal legislators and key stakeholders to pile ceaseless pressure on the federal government to complete this important road.”
“We even organised a town hall meeting to collate and synthesise the views of stakeholders and ramp up pressure for action to be taken on the vital project.”
The governor lauded President Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure, saying, “Let me state here without fear of contradiction that in words and action, President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in the Northern region of Nigeria.”
He stressed that the road project would not only improve security but also drive economic growth and job creation.
“It will also bolster security in the surrounding areas, ushering in a new wave of positive change for our people. As we embark on the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Federal Road, it is important to highlight that both direct and indirect jobs will be created, providing a tremendous boost to our local economies.”
“I urge all communities that will benefit from this road project to extend their full cooperation to the contractors. Your collaboration is essential for the swift and successful completion of this vital infrastructure,” he concluded.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by prominent figures including former Kaduna State Governor Ramadan Yero, and former Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, among others.
