President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu was represented by Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna, at the flag-off event, held at Jere in Kagarko local government on Sunday.
The Governor said the highway is a critical road vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria, adding that it is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to over 12 states across north-central, north-west, and North-East geopolitical zones.
The Governor noted that the road has been neglected for several years, thereby costing lives and damaging economic growth.
He lamented that people had watched helplessly as the condition of the road, which is the busiest road in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after Lagos-Ibadan expressway, worsened over the years.
Sani added, “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.”
As a senator, Sani said he pushed for the road’s completion by mobilizing fellow lawmakers, organising a town hall meeting, and engaging directly with Tinubu.
He said, “ In response to the cries of our citizens and travelers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and President, Bola Ahmed 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.”
The Governor added that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, allowing motorists to ply the Kaduna-Abuja road safely, unlike during the contractor’s time when insecurity hindered project completion.
He commended Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of Kaduna Peace Model.
Sani noted that Tinubu has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed eastern and western roads in Kaduna.
Speaking, David Umahi, minister of works, assured Nigerians the 700-kilometre (km) road will be completed within 14 months with concrete-reinforced pavement, matching the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway’s standard.
Umahi said the president has also extended the Kano section by 11km to reach the Aminu Kano International Airport, making it 291km.
The minister noted that Tinubu terminated Julius Berger’s contract and awarded the project to a new firm with a proven track record, with no regrets.
He also noted that Tinubu directed the reconstructed highway to be equipped with solar-powered lighting and closed circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance throughout its entire stretch.
Umahi added that the president also awarded the completion of sections 1 and 3, totaling 118 kilometers, for N252 billion, with 30 percent paid to the contractor.
The minister commended Sani for his relentless efforts in ensuring the project’s takeoff, describing him as a smart Governor who united the people of Kaduna behind Tinubu and APC.
