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Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be completed in 14 months with a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
He said the ambitious project was central to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and ensuring better connectivity across the northern region.
In a statement by the director of information in the ministry of works, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister, during the inspection on Wednesday, restated that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had set bold timelines for the completion of the rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway.
The minister emphasised that the completion of the road which stretches from Abuja to Kano, must occur within 14 months.
He reiterated that the contract had been revoked and taken away from the initial contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Ltd due to irreconcilable differences like attempting to extend the project timeline by an additional three years, deeming it as unacceptable.
He further affirmed that the road would be completed in time, ensuring that it meets the nation’s urgent infrastructure needs, stressing that the project had been broken down into three manageable segments aimed at expediting it as well as guaranteeing quality and timely completion.
According to him, due to the importance of the road, palliative works are presently being carried out on the failed sections from Abuja to Kaduna, pending the re-award of the contract.
This he said aims to achieve zero pot hole on the alignment.
He assured Nigerians that any delay or hindrance would not be tolerated as all parties were in sync with the goals of completing the road on schedule.
The minister said the road will be built to last between 50 to 100 years, making it a lasting legacy.
According to the minister, the project will include an extension of 10 kilometres at the Kano end and another five kilometres at the Abuja end, making sure that no failed alignment hinders the connection.
Engr. Umahi, accompanied by the minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris, as well as the chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi and Hon. Akin Alabi respectively, and other members and the permanent secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, briefed the public on the government’s firm resolve to complete the road in record time.
The minister’s directive to complete the road within 14 months has been backed by the full cooperation of members of the National Assembly, and all stakeholders are working collaboratively toward achieving this milestone. He reiterated that the political aspect of the project should be set aside, focusing solely on delivering a world-class highway for the benefit of Nigerians.
He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was determined to complete the project without any further delay. “He has directed that the suffering of road users on this alignment be brought to an end and we are committed to doing that,” said the minister.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris stated that the inspection would be conducted periodically to monitor progress, as well as provide updates to citizens.
He stressed that the team leading the project comprised highly skilled professionals and that he was confident that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road would be a great success.
Alhaji Idris stated that the president remained steadfast in his commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and ensuring timely completion of critical projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway Rehabilitation, which will significantly enhance transportation, trade, and economic activity in Nigeria.
Chairmen of the Works Committee of the two chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) pledged support for the project, in terms of adequate budgetary provision and oversight functions for the benefit of all Nigerians.
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