The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a landmark project that will benefit generations to come.
During an inspection of the site on Saturday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, assured that the 14-month deadline for the road’s completion remains realistic.
According to him, Sections 1 and 3 of the expressway, spanning a total of 118 kilometers, were awarded for ₦252 billion, with the President already approving an advance payment of about ₦60 billion, representing 30 percent. Section 2, he explained, covers 72 kilometers with two lanes, including 15 kilometers of flexible asphalt pavement and the remainder in reinforced concrete.
Umahi said the total cost of Section 2 amounts to ₦507 billion, of which over ₦150 billion has already been disbursed. “When combined, the project up to Kano amounts to about ₦761 billion, which is highly courageous. I commend the President for his interest in building these roads,” he stated.
He added that the project has been branded Rebuilding Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu and emphasized that its funding and completion have been made a top priority.
Highlighting the durability of the construction, Umahi said the road is designed to last for more than a century. “We are very happy and assured that the roads being built by the present administration will last for over a hundred years. It is a legacy we will leave for incoming generations, as there will be no need to rebuild them again,” he affirmed, urging contractors to deliver quality work.
He further revealed that President Tinubu has directed that the quality of road infrastructure in the South-West, including all facilities, should also be replicated in the North. “We want to commend the contractors, but we also frown seriously because my integrity is at stake if we don’t complete the project in 14 months,” Umahi cautioned.
The Minister also encouraged young Nigerian engineers to embrace modern innovations in road construction and stressed that all NNPC-funded projects must be prioritized. “We are going to prioritize them, and contractors will work based on milestones, not just certificates,” he explained.
He also stated the importance of on-site supervision, noting that monitoring and evaluation are vital to ensuring quality. “We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Site inspection and sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project,” Umahi said.
Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Garba Umar Goronyo, also praised the contractors for progress made so far, urging them to accelerate work despite earlier delays caused by the rainy season.
“People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges are critical to driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
