Tinubu Approves Redesign of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway
In a significant move to improve road infrastructure and alleviate the struggles of commuters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for the redesign of the remaining 127 kilometers of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway. The newly proposed redesign will replace the existing asphalt pavement with continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP).
A statement by the spokesperson of Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the comprehensive project, which initially included three sections and was awarded to Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC on December 20, 2017, carries an initial contract value of N155.7 billion and was slated for completion within 36 months. To date, only Section II (Kaduna-Zaria) has been completed, while Section I remains largely unaddressed, suffering from deterioration and ongoing weather challenges.
In light of these delays and the pressing need to enhance the roadway’s functionality—aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda—the Ministry of Works has crafted a new approach for Section I. The redesign has now been segmented into two phases, with the first phase spanning 38 kilometers, which will be executed by Dangote Industries Ltd. under subcontracting from Hitech Africa Construction Ltd.
However, the project has faced challenges including a sluggish pace of work and extended inactivity, prompting concerns from both the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the general public. The socioeconomic importance of this route, which connects the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the northern regions, has been a focal point of discussions.
In an effort to revive the project, the Federal Executive Council approved a revised contract sum of N740.8 billion. The company involved was given a strict seven-day ultimatum to accept this new offer; failure to do so by the deadline on November 4, 2024, would lead to the termination of their contract, setting the stage for potential new contractors.
Minister Umahi has expressed the government’s readiness to proceed with the project using concrete materials, akin to the durability standards observed in other major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to resolving the project’s stalemate swiftly to enable work to commence without further delay.
The Ministry’s actions come as a part of broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s critical transportation infrastructure and drive socioeconomic growth.
