By Emmanuel Agbo, Kaduna
The Federal Government has announced that N777 billion will be spent to complete the ongoing reconstruction of the 700 kilometre Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road.
Additionally, a 14-month deadline has been set for the completion of Section Two of the project, awarded to InfiniQuest Construction Company at a cost of N525 billion.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Sunday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the N777 billion allocation would cover the remaining 282 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria stretch.
The road project was initially awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 at a cost of N155.7 billion, with a 36-month completion timeline. However, delays and cost overruns saw the price rise to over N600 billion, with less than 50% completion after six years.
When the contractor proposed a revised cost of N1.5 trillion, the Federal Government revoked the contract, insisting on a N740 billion payment cap.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the completion and reconstruction of Sections 1 and 3 (118km) for N252 billion, with 30% upfront payment.
He assured that the project, which is a concrete reinforcement pavement, would be delivered in record time.
“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.
“And the remaining 140 kilometres by 2 is 280. But 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.
“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.”
Umahi commended the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his efforts in the project, noting that it would reduce the rate of accidents and heavy traffic when completed.
He told the governor, “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 also thanked the governor for uniting Kaduna State and taking everybody as one, as well as working with the NSA to ensure that residents sleep with two eyes closed.
On his part, Governor Sani, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said when completed, the road would catalyze economic growth, creating job opportunities and significantly enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and political landscape.
He described it as the pivotal road, saying, “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 continued, “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.
“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.
“The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road has suffered total neglect over the years. Successive governments merely paid lip service to the reconstruction or rehabilitation of the road.
“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.”
The event had the presence of the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, former governor of Kaduna State, Ramadan Yero, former senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District at the eighth senate, Suleiman Hunkuyi, among others.
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