Tinubu flags off reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Federal Highway, a major infrastructure project considered critical to the socio-economic wellbeing of Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the President at a ceremony held in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, Governor Uba Sani described the road as the lifeline connecting the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East regions.

“This is the busiest road in Northern Nigeria and the second busiest in the country after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,”; Governor Sani noted, lamenting the years of neglect the road suffered, which he said led to frequent loss of lives and stifled economic growth.

The road project was initially awarded to Julius Berger by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, it stalled after the current administration revoked the previous contract and re-awarded it to a new contractor. While some portions of the highway were completed under the previous deal, construction was largely abandoned until the recent intervention.

Governor Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central in the Senate, said he had consistently advocated for the road's completion. “As a senator, I mobilised my colleagues, held town hall meetings, and engaged directly with President Tinubu to bring attention to this critical project,”; he said.

He added that one of the major reasons for the initial delay in completion was the security threat along the Kaduna-Abuja stretch. “Today, thanks to the non-kinetic approach to security and the Kaduna Peace Model, motorists now ply this road without fear,”; he said, praising the efforts of National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for coordinating security agencies to stabilise the corridor.

In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, revealed that the 700-kilometre road will feature concrete-reinforced pavement and will be completed within 14 months. He said the project would meet the standard of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and includes an additional 11-kilometre stretch to link the Kano section directly to Aminu Kano International Airport.

“The reconstruction of this road will not only enhance mobility and trade but also open up new economic opportunities and strengthen security across the northern region,”; Governor Sani said.

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway is expected to significantly ease the movement of goods and people, stimulate development, and address long-standing infrastructure deficits in Northern Nigeria.