The Federal Government has vowed to complete and deliver the remaining section of the Abuja-Kaduna road before the end of 2024.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made this commitment on behalf of the Federal Government during a meeting with directors of his ministry, in Abuja, on Thursday.
Umahi said the ministry under his watch was prepared to remove all contractual obstacles and ensure delivery of the project for the benefit of Nigerians before the end of 2024.
he said, About 1.7 km remain on the Abuja-Kaduna route in two portions, We will be informed of the actual designs for the two parts, and the ministry has some oversight work on that road that has to be done tomorrow.
Since funding for this effort comes from money that were embezzled, it is equally problematic. I have to talk to Mr. President about how important the road is to everyone who lives in the North.
“But I won’t be able to see him again until we rescope the project since the government can’t afford the N1.35 trillion that the contractor is requesting today. The project was originally estimated to cost N165 billion, but a review raised the price to N655 billion.
“They are making a really incorrect request. We are thus examining the current sub-grade to determine what can be done. We are also considering having Dangote build the first 40 km of that road on concrete pavement as part of the Tax Credit Scheme, but I’m determined to finish that road this year. That road will be finished this year, come what may.
Three parts of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Motorway rehabilitation are being funded by the Presidential Development Fund projects and are now under management by Julius Berger.
Recall that In October 2022, the former minister of State, Works and Housing, Umar El-Yakub, said work on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, and Zaria-Kano road would be completed in early 2023 to reduce negative effects on road users.
A similar promise was made by the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in April 2023.
He explained that the then administration could not fulfill its promise to complete the project due to security challenges experienced in 2022 as well the relocation of some communities on the Zaria section of the 265km road project
