The Federal Government has revealed a bold plan to complete the long-delayed Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway, announcing a whopping N777 billion allocation for the remaining 282 kilometres of the 700km stretch. This comes with a 14-month completion target for Section Two of the project, now awarded to Infiouest Construction Company at a cost of N525 billion.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Sunday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that the massive investment signals a new chapter for the long-troubled road project. Initially awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 at less than N156 billion and meant to be completed in 36 months, the project’s cost skyrocketed over the years, surpassing N600 billion without reaching the halfway mark.
Displeased with the pace and price hike, the FG revoked the previous contract, offering only N740 billion before reassigning parts of the project to Infiouest. Umahi noted that Sections 1 and 3, totaling 118 kilometres, have now been awarded for N252 billion, with 30% of that sum already paid to the contractor.
“The company is trusted and competent,” Umahi said. “We’ve started concrete road construction, and I’ve seen the quality. I have no regrets recommending them.”
The Minister added that concrete pavement will now be used for the entire road, and solar lights will be installed along the 700km stretch for safety and visibility. He praised Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, for playing a vital role in pushing for the project’s continuation.
“You’ve secured nearly a trillion naira for your people. That’s smart governance,” Umahi said. “The President trusts you, and I might need to borrow some of your magic for my brothers in the South-East.”
Governor Sani, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the road as “a vital artery” for Northern Nigeria and emphasized the immense potential for job creation, economic growth, and security improvement once the project is completed.
He highlighted his past advocacy for the road while in the Senate, where he mobilized support from stakeholders and pressured the federal government to take action. “President Tinubu has shown through both words and actions that he is committed to addressing infrastructure deficits in the North,” he said.
Sani also called on communities along the route to support the project and contractors, promising that both direct and indirect jobs would be created, transforming local economies.
Dignitaries at the event included former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, former Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and other key stakeholders from the region.
