The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the unfinished section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway before the end of the year.
Despite previous assurances dating back to the project’s contract award in December 2018, delays have occurred.
Former Minister of State, Works and Housing, Umar El-Yakub, pledged in October 2022 to finish the Kaduna-Abuja highway and Zaria-Kano road by early 2023.
However, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, cited security challenges in 2022 and community relocations on the Zaria section as reasons for unfulfilled promises in April 2023.
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In a recent meeting with ministry directors in Abuja, the current Minister of Works, David Umahi, conveyed the ministry’s determination to overcome contractual obstacles and deliver the project by the end of 2024.
Umahi revealed that there are approximately 1.7 kilometers left to complete in two sections of the Abuja-Kaduna route.
Umahi explained that funding remains a challenge, with a requested project cost increase from N1.3 billion to N1.35 trillion by the contractors.
He discussed the funding issue with the President, emphasizing the road’s importance for Northerners.
Despite the significant cost increase, Umahi is committed to completing the road within the year.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway’s reconstruction, managed by Julius Berger, is financed through the Presidential Development Fund initiatives and divided into three sections.
The government is exploring options, including a review of the existing sub-grade and a potential Tax credit scheme with Dangote for the first 40km, to address the funding challenges and ensure the timely completion of the project.
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