TINUBU FLAGS OFF ABUJA-KADUNA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

 

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, a road vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event on behalf of the president, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State described the road as a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North-central, North-west, and North-east geopolitical zones.

 

At the event which took place at Jere in Kagarko Local Government Area, Governor Sani noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.

 

The governor described the road as the busiest in the North and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched helplessly as its condition worsened over the years.

 

He revealed that the reconstruction of the road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to most communities in the region, noting that it will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the entire area.

 

According to him, one of the reasons that the contractor gave for not completing the project apart from funding was the insecurity that was prevailing along the Kaduna-Abuja road at that time.

He commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

 

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700 kilometre road would be completed within 14 months with concrete-reinforced pavement.

 

According to him, the road’s standard will be like the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, admitting that the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the Kano section, extending it to the Aminu Kano International Airport.

 

He revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record, which has been tested and proven to be competent to do the job.

 

Mr Umahi also disclosed that the president also said that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and Close Circuit TV surveillance throughout the stretch.

 

The minister further said President Tinubu has awarded the completion of sections 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometres, for a total sum of N252 billion, and that 30% of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.