Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has revealed that rebuilding the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road will cost the federal government a total of ₦761 billion and is designed to last for 100 years.
During an inspection of the project at the weekend, Umahi explained that the road is divided into three sections.
Sections 1 and 3 cover 118 kilometers at a total cost of ₦252 billion, out of which the president has already released 30 per cent, about ₦60 billion. Section 2, covering 72 kilometers, will be built with reinforced concrete, while 15 kilometers will use flexible asphalt pavement.
He said Section 2 alone costs ₦507 billion, and the federal government has already paid 30 per cent, over ₦150 billion.
“If we put the entire project together up to Kano, it amounts to about ₦761 billion. This is a bold investment, and I must commend President Bola Tinubu for making this road a priority project,” Umahi stated.
The minister said the road is tagged Rebuilding Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu, reflecting the president’s passion and commitment to its completion.
According to him, while previous administrations built roads that barely lasted 10 years, the new design will stand for over 100 years. “This is a legacy for future generations. That is why we are insisting that the contractors must deliver quality work,” he added.
Umahi also said the president has directed that the road should be built to the same standard as those in the western region, complete with modern facilities. He warned contractors that his integrity was at stake if the project was not delivered within 14 months.
He urged Nigerians, especially young engineers, to embrace modern innovations in road construction. He further stressed that the president had directed that no Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) project should be abandoned.
“We will prioritize road projects and set yearly milestones for contractors. Roads and bridges are key drivers of our economy. A durable road network will boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and support growth in other sectors,” Umahi explained.
On his part, Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Goronyo, praised the contractors for the work done so far but urged them to do more to recover time lost during the rainy season. “Nigerians are eager to see this project completed on time,” he said.
