The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway within the stipulated 14-month timeline, describing it as a “legacy infrastructure project” set to benefit generations to come.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the assurance durin a site inspection on saturday. he declared that Saturday has now been designated for site inspection, he was accompanied on the tour by the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, and other.
David Umahi, directed contractors handling various sections of the N761 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road to stick to agreed timelines for the completion of the project.
The 700-kilometre dual carriage road project aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve security across Northern Nigeria.
He urged contractors to deliver quality work, emphasizing that if the project is not completed within the specified time frame his integrity will be compromised.
Umahi said, “We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on on the field. Site inspection, sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project.
“We have informed the President that the time of completion for the project is 14 month for section 1 and 3 and 2.
“For section 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometers was given at a total price of N252 billion, the President has paid 30 per cent, which is around 60 billion.
“Section 2 is about 72 kilometers by 2 which is reinforced concrete with 15 Kilometers is going to be on flexible alspat pavement. Total cost is N507 billion and 30 per cent has been paid which over 150 billion.
“If we combine the two projects up to Kano, it is about #761 billion,which is a highly courageous investment, and I commend President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the completion of these roads,” the Minister said..
“We tagged the project as rebuilding Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-kano road by President Bola Tinubu. He has so much passion that the road be completed and he’s funding it as priority project.
“We are happy for the section completed on concrete. Before it was construction of road which was lasted for 10 years, now we are building roads.
“We are very happy and assured that the roads being built by the present Administration will last for over a hundred years and it is a legacy we will leave for incoming generations as there will be no need for rebuilding those roads again. This explains why we have talk to the contractors to do a good job.”
He further said, “The President has directed that we replicate what we have in the West around here with all accompanied facilities and we will do his bidding.
“We want to commend the contractors and we also want to frown seriously (at the pace of work) because my integrity is at stage if we don’t complete the project in 14 months.”
Umahi urged young Nigeria engineers, to embrace the new construction technologies, and also said, “The President has directed that no NNPC project should be stopped, we are going to prioritize it, we are going to put forward what a contractor we do in the next one year, we are going to working on milestone and not on certificate.”
He stressed that durable Roads and Bridges are the key players in the growth of the nation’s indicators Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In his remarks Goronyo lauded the contractors for the good work so far but charged them to double their efforts in order to make up for lost time due to the rainy season.
With federal backing and a clear completion roadmap, the expressway project is set to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate commerce, and leave a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
