Federal Government Announces Completion Timeline For Abuja-Kaduna Road In The Current Year

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to complete the outstanding portion of the Abuja-Kaduna highway by the year’s end. The project, initiated in December 2018, has faced delays despite repeated assurances from the government…..CONTINUE READING

Former Minister of State, Works and Housing, Umar El-Yakub, pledged in October 2022 to finalize the Kaduna-Abuja highway and Zaria-Kano road by early 2023, aiming to alleviate challenges faced by road users. However, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, cited security issues in 2022 and the relocation of communities along the Zaria section as obstacles to fulfilling the commitment made.

In a recent meeting with ministry directors in Abuja, current Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed determination to overcome contractual challenges and deliver the project for the benefit of Nigerians by the end of 2024. Umahi disclosed that the contractors had requested a price review to N1.3 billion to facilitate project financing.

Umahi explained, “We have about 1.7 kilometers left of the Abuja-Kaduna road in two sections. Tomorrow, the ministry will conduct supervision work on that road, and we will receive advice on the actual designs of the two sections.” He highlighted funding as a critical issue, citing the presidential development fund initiative derived from recovered funds. Umahi acknowledged the importance of the road for Northerners and emphasized his commitment to completing it within the year.

However, he expressed concerns over the contractor’s request for N1.35 trillion, considering the initial project cost of N165 billion, which had been revised to N655 billion. To address this, Umahi mentioned exploring the existing sub-grade and potential collaboration with Dangote for the first 40km under the Tax Credit scheme, aiming to complete the road in the specified timeframe.

The reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, managed by Julius Berger and funded through the Presidential Development fund initiative, is segmented into three sections. Despite past challenges, the government remains resolute in fulfilling its commitment to completing the project this year.

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