Nigeria’s federal government has announced that it will deliver the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway project in 24 months, instead of the original deadline of 2024.

The minister of works, David Umahi, made this disclosure on Friday when he inspected the road, accompanied by the minister of finance and the coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun.

The dual carriageway project, which covers 375 miles (715 kilometers) of road, is expected to improve the connectivity and economic activities of the northern and central regions of the country.

Funding and Progress

According to Umahi, the project had faced some challenges due to funding constraints, but the finance minister had assured him of adequate financing to complete the work.

He said that the contractor, Berger, had agreed to resume work on four sections of the road, with a target of completing 15 kilometers of road every month.

Umahi said that they are now looking at a 24-month timeline to finish the project. The minister has assured them of financing, and the contractors have reassured them that they will come back.

He added that from Abuja to Kaduna, 45 kilometers of road had been completed, while from Kaduna to Zaria, the road was completed. He said that only 20 kilometers of road remained between Zaria and Kano, and another 82 kilometers between Abuja and Kaduna.

“We have about 88 kilometers plus 82 kilometers, which is about 120 kilometers, left undone within the first section. The third section, Zaria-Kano, has only 20 kilometers left to complete, after the completion of the second section, Kaduna-Zaria. Our focus will be on finishing that 20 kilometers,” he said.

Benefits and Impacts

The coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, said that the road project was a critical priority of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who took office in 2023.

He said that the road would enhance the transportation of agricultural products, reduce food prices, lower inflation, and stabilize the economy.

“We are here to examine and to hear from the contractors and to get their commitment, encourage and support them so as to complete this all important reconstruction of the Abuja- Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road,” Edun said.

He also said that the road would boost the security and safety of the people, as well as the tourism and cultural potentials of the northern region.

The road users and residents along the route expressed their appreciation and optimism about the project, saying that it would ease their movement and improve their livelihoods.

They also appealed to the government and the contractor to ensure the quality and durability of the road, and to provide adequate facilities such as drainage, street lights, and pedestrian bridges.

In 2017, the government awarded the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway project at a cost of $1.5 billion. However, funding gaps and security issues caused delays and setbacks to the project

The project is part of the Trans-African Highway network, which aims to connect the continent by road and facilitate trade and integration.

Source: Vanguard