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-As Minister Assures of Project Completion in June 2026
Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has announced that the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be achieved by June 2026, with a fresh commitment of N777bn to finish the reconstruction.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during the flag-off of the second section of the project in Kaduna on Sunday.
The 700-kilometre highway, originally awarded to Julius Berger in 2018, had faced multiple delays and cost escalations, rising from N155.7bn to over N1.5tn, before being restructured under a new contractor.
“The company is trusted and has the competence to do the work,” Umahi said of the new contractor, Infiouest Construction Company, which is handling sections 1 and 3 of the project.
“The concrete road has commenced; I have seen the quality and have no regret in recommending them to do this work,” he added.
The minister confirmed that the remaining 282 kilometres of the road will now be completed at a cost of N777bn, with section two specifically awarded at N525bn and scheduled for completion within 14 months.
“This 700-kilometre road will be completed under you, courtesy of our dear president. Not only will it be completed, but it will be completed in concrete-reinforced pavements,” Umahi said.
The reconstruction includes an 11-kilometre extension to the Aminu Kano International Airport and provisions for solar-powered street lighting along the entire route.
Umahi explained that of the total 700 kilometres, Julius Berger had previously completed 240 kilometres, primarily in the Zaria-Kano section, while Infiouest is tasked with delivering the remaining 280 kilometres.
Kaduna State Governor Sani Uba, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, described the road as a “vital artery” for the people of northern Nigeria and stressed its significance for regional development.
“When completed, the road would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, creating job opportunities and significantly enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and political landscape,” Uba stated.
He recalled the prolonged advocacy efforts during his time as a senator, including stakeholder engagement and public pressure, which helped revive the stalled project.
“Let me state here without fear of contradiction that in words and action, President Tinubu has clearly demonstrated commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in the northern region of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor called on local communities to support the contractors to ensure smooth execution, noting that the project would also help improve security along the corridor.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway is one of the most important routes in northern Nigeria, linking major economic and population centers. Its completion is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety, and spur economic activity across the region.