President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, a critical road which is vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the president, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the road as a major route linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, Northwest, and Northeast geopolitical zones.
At the event, which took place at Jere in the Kagarko local government area of the state, the governor disclosed that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.
Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and the second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched helplessly as its condition worsened over the years.
“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of our region,” he stressed.
“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear; he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without delay.”
According to him, one of the reasons 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, however, noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day without fear of being attacked.
Sani also commended the National Security Adviser, Malam 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 mentioned that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed eastern and western bypass roads in Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator 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, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the Kano section, extending 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.
Umahi also disclosed that the president said that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and closed-circuit TV surveillance throughout the stretch.
