The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a legacy infrastructure project that will serve future generations.
Speaking during a site inspection on Saturday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi also assured that the 14-month completion period of the project remains achievable.
According to him, Sections 1 and 3 of the project, covering a combined 118 kilometers, were awarded for ₦252 billion, with the President already approving a 30 percent payment of about ₦60 billion.
Section 2, he explained, covers 72 kilometers by two lanes, with 15 kilometers designed as flexible asphalt pavement and the rest reinforced concrete.
The total cost for Section 2 is ₦507 billion, of which 30 percent (over ₦150 billion) has been disbursed, he revealed, noting, “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,” the Minister said.
He added that the initiative has been tagged ‘Rebuilding Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu’, noting that the President has made its completion a funding priority.
The Minister emphasised that the current construction, unlike earlier works that dragged on for years, 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 standard of road infrastructure in the South-West, with all accompanying facilities, should 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,” he warned.
The Minister urged young Nigerian engineers to embrace modern innovations in road construction, while also highlighting the President’s directive that all NNPC-funded projects must not be abandoned.
“We are going to prioritize them, and contractors will work based on milestones, not just certificates,” he explained.
Umahi emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation in road projects, stressing that on-the-ground supervision is essential to the success of any engineering project.
“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,” he said.
Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Garba Umar Goronyo, commended the contractors for the progress made so far and urged them to intensify efforts to meet deadlines, especially after delays caused by the rainy season.
“People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth.
