The federal government has affirmed that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway project will be finalized by the year 2026. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, provided this assurance during an inspection of the dual carriageway, accompanied by Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
Umahi stated that the federal government aims to complete 15km per month for the next 24 months to ensure the 375.9km long dual carriageway is ready for public use by 2026. Currently, 45km of the 165km stretch from Abuja to Kaduna has been completed.
Umahi highlighted the progress on different sections of the road, indicating that the Kaduna-Zaria section is complete, leaving only 20km between Zaria and Kano.
The minister also acknowledged the remaining 120km in the first section between Abuja and Kaduna.
Wale Edun assured contractors of the government’s commitment to funding the project.
The statement revealed that an outstanding certificate of N17 billion has been signed for the project, and an additional N33 billion is in the process of being processed to ensure adequate funding.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road plays a crucial role in connecting various parts of Nigeria to the North, traversing Abuja, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano States.
The government anticipates that the completion of this dual-carriageway project will facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce from the North, leading to lower food prices, reduced inflation, and economic stabilization.
The reconstruction of the Abuja-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway was approved by the federal government in December 2017, with construction beginning in May 2018.
Julius Berger was awarded the contract for the road reconstruction.
The government has been addressing outstanding debts on ongoing road projects, including the Abuja-Zaria-Kano project, as part of its commitment to infrastructure development.
Minister Dave Umahi announced in January 2024 that the government was prepared to clear the N1.5 trillion debt owed to contractors of federal highway projects.
