The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has confirmed that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway is set to be completed in 2026.
During an inspection alongside Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on Friday, Umahi assured that the government aims to complete 15km per month over the next 24 months to meet the 375.9km project’s completion deadline.
Umahi disclosed, “Abuja to Kaduna is 165km, out of which 45km has been completed.” He highlighted the progress on different sections, mentioning that the Kaduna-Zaria section is finished, leaving only 20km between Zaria and Kano.
The Minister commended the palliative work done on the road, emphasizing the government’s commitment to funding the project. A signed outstanding certificate of N17 billion and another N33 billion in processing ensure adequate funding.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, crucial for connecting various parts of Nigeria to the North, passes through Abuja, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano States.
The government anticipates that the completion of this dual-carriageway will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, leading to a reduction in food prices, lowering inflation, and stabilizing the economy.
The reconstruction of the Abuja-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway was approved in December 2017, with the project commencing in May 2018. Julius Berger holds the contract for the road reconstruction.
The government, led by the Babatunde Fashola-led Works Ministry in January 2021, had stated the project’s appreciable progress, anticipating completion before the end of the Buhari administration.
Minister Umahi, in January 2024, reaffirmed the government’s readiness to clear the N1.5 trillion debt owed to contractors of federal highway projects.
During his time as the governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi excelled in the development of infrastructure, earning the trust of President Tinubu. As a result, he was appointed as the Nigerian Minister of Works, a position which he has handled with excellence thus far, despite being in office for a short period of time.
