Tinubu flags off reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna federal highway

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway.

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, represented Tinubu at the event.

At the flag-off event, which took place at Jere in Kagarko local government on Sunday, Sani said the highway is a critical road vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.

He described the road as a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to over 12 states across the north-central, north-west, and north-east geopolitical zones.

The governor noted that the road has suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.

He lamented that people had watched helplessly as the road’s condition worsened over the years, explaining it is the busiest road in the north and the second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities,” the governor said.

“It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of our region.”

As a senator, Sani said he pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising a town hall meeting, and engaging directly with Tinubu.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travelers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him,” he said.

“Mr. President not only gave me a listening ear, he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without delay.”

Sani added that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, allowing motorists to ply the Kaduna-Abuja road safely, unlike during the contractor’s time when insecurity hindered project completion.

The governor commended Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

Sani said Tinubu has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed eastern and western bypasses in Kaduna.

ABUJA-KADUNA HIGHWAY TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 14 MONTHS

David Umahi, minister of works, assured Nigerians the 700-kilometre (km) road will be completed within 14 months with concrete-reinforced pavement, matching the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway’s standard.

Umahi said the president has also extended the Kano section by 11km to reach the Aminu Kano International Airport, making it 291km.

The minister also explained that the president terminated Julius Berger’s contract and awarded the project to a new firm with a proven track record, saying, “I have no regrets awarding them this job”.

He also disclosed that Tinubu directed the reconstructed highway be equipped with solar-powered lighting and closed circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance throughout its entire stretch.

Umahi said the president also awarded the completion of sections 1 and 3, totaling 118 kilometers, for N252 billion, with 30 percent paid to the contractor.

The minister further commended Sani for his relentless efforts in ensuring the project’s takeoff, describing him as a smart governor who united the people of Kaduna behind Tinubu and APC.