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Tinubu Approves CRCP For 127km Abuja - Kaduna Highway

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
         President Bola Tinubu 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the redesign of the remaining 127 kilometres of Section I, Abuja - Kaduna dual carriageway using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) instead of asphalt. 

The project was divided into three sections for ease of construction such as Abuja - Kaduna (Section I), Kaduna - Zaria (Section II) and Zaria - Kano (Section III).

It was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc on December 20,  2017 at the initial sum of N155, 748,178,425.50 billion, with a completion period of 36 months.

Section II is substantially completed, while Section III is at an advanced stage of completion but Section I, which is only about 27% completed, remains in a deplorable state, worsened by continuous wear and tear, as well as rough climatic conditions. 

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to enhance critical infrastructures and ameliorate the suffering of road users, Section I was redesigned and re-scoped. 

It was divided into two phases with Section I, Phase 1, covering 38 kilometres, redesigned to be built with CRCP. It was awarded to Messrs Dangote Industries Limited, who subcontracted it to Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Limited. 

Due to the slow pace of work and abandonment of the remaining 127 kilometres, the Minister of Work, Engr David Umahi held talks with Julius Berge on the need to accept the final reviewed contract sum and remobilise to site. 

But the lackadaisical approach to the project by the company, prompted the ministry to convey the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for a final offer of N740, 797, 204, 173.25 billion after several variations and augmentations. 

Julius Berger was however issued a seven-day ultimatum to accept the offer or risk termination of the contract. The ultimatum expired on November 4, 2024 and the company had already been served a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract.

Umahi lamented that President Bola Tinubu is worried about the stalemate on the remaining section of the project and eager for work to commence as soon as possible. 

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen  by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed. 

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