The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed contractors handling various sections of the N761 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road to adhere strictly to agreed timelines for project completion. He emphasized that the ministry will now focus on milestone completions instead of relying on certificates for payment, highlighting the project’s significance for regional development.
During an inspection tour of the Abuja-Kaduna section on Saturday, Umahi stated that the 700-kilometre dual carriageway aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve security across Northern Nigeria. Some sections of the road have a 14-month timeline for completion.
Accompanied by Minister of State Bello Goronyo and other officials, Umahi declared Saturday as the designated day for site inspections. He also discussed innovative approaches being adopted for the project, including the use of reinforced concrete and flexible asphalt pavement.
Umahi urged contractors to deliver quality work, stressing that his integrity is at stake if the project is not completed within the specified timeframe. He said, “We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Site inspections and sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project.”
He informed that the completion timelines for sections 1 and 3 are set at 14 months. A total of 118 kilometers for these sections was allocated at a cost of N252 billion, with 30% already paid. Section 2, covering about 72 kilometers, is projected to cost N507 billion, with similar payments secured.
“We tagged the project as rebuilding Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road by President Bola Tinubu, who has shown immense passion for its completion and has prioritized its funding,” Umahi stated.
He further emphasized the importance of the project, noting that the roads being built by the present administration are expected to last over a hundred years, leaving a legacy for future generations. He called on contractors to ensure high-quality work, saying, “A stitch in time saves nine.”
Umahi also mentioned the President’s directive to prioritize NNPC projects and reiterated that the ministry would focus on milestones rather than certificates for payments. He asserted that roads and bridges are crucial for the growth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In his remarks, Goronyo praised the contractors for the quality of work completed so far but urged them to improve their pace to compensate for delays caused by the rainy season.
