Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi Monday August 10 disclosed that the Federal Government has so far spent more than N200 billion on the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kano road adding that more than 80 per cent of the amount has been paid. He assured that the remaining 164 kilometres of the highway will be completed by November this year. Umahi gave the assurance when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Mr Babatunde Akinteye, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to completing critical road infrastructure across the country, describing the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor as one of the major legacy projects of the administration. “The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is 375 kilometres by two, that is, 750 kilometres. We have spent over N200 billion on the project so far. We are left with the remaining 164 kilometres, 82 kilometres by two. Both of these projects are costing us N752 billion under the President and over 80 per cent has been paid. We believe that by November, the entire stretch will have been completed,” he said. The minister, who expressed concern over the rate of vandalism on federal highways, emphasized the need to take drastic measures to stop the occurrences. He disclosed that solar streetlights would be installed at intervals along the highway as part of measures to improve safety and visibility. “I just came back from Lagos where we inaugurated the coastal highway guard. We are going to inaugurate same on this Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria- Kano Super highway because people are digging the concrete to remove rods, vandalising the construction.” He also said the Federal Government is executing several other major road projects across the country, noting that concrete pavements were being adopted on some strategic routes and explained that the Federal government expanded the scope of some legacy projects to improve connectivity among communities and facilitate movement of people, goods and services. The minister urged Nigerian youths and students to take an active role in monitoring federal projects and holding public officials accountable saying the ministry is ready to work with NANS and other youth organisations. He however warned against blackmail or intimidation of contractors. “We need to be accountable. If you help us to monitor these projects, please, no blackmail, no intimidation, no altercation with contractors. If you can do this intelligently and honestly, we are prepared to artner with you,” he said. ... Benue-Kogi-Enugu highway for completion February 2028 In a related development, the federal government disclosed that the Benue-Kogi-Enugu highway construction will be completed by February 2028. Speaking on Friday during an inspection of the project with journalists and the presidential media team, Mukaila Danlandi, federal controller of works in Benue, said the 250-kilometre road links the north-central and south-east.

Posted: 3days ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 14 August 2026