BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commenced the reconstruction of Section I of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway (Abuja - Kaduna), which is vital to the socio-economic life of Nigeria at the cost of N777 billion.
The road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 States across the North Central, North West and North East geopolitical zones.
At the event in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area on Sunday, President Tinubu, who was represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani lamented that the road was neglected for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunting economic growth.
He described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, adding that people watched helplessly as the condition worsened over the years.
"The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region," he explained.
Uba recalled that as a Senator, he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several Town Hall Meetings, and engaging directly with the then President.
"In response to the cries of our citizens and travelers, enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to brief him. Mr. President not only gave me a listening ear, he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay," he said.
According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.
Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruits as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.
He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu for stabilising the security situation along the route through effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.
The governor also disclosed that Mr. President has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major Federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with Continuous Reinforced Concrete-Pavement (CRCP).
According to him, the road’s standard will be like that of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying that the President added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
He revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc, the project was re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job."
Engr. Umahi disclosed that the President also directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and Close Circuit TV surveillance.
The minister stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that 30% of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.
“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometers at a total cost of N525 billion.
“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 to 100 years," he emphasised.
He commended Governor Sani for his relentless efforts toward the successful take-off of the project, describing him as a smart Governor, who has united the people of Kaduna behind the President and the APC.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo appreciated President Tinubu for his people-oriented leadership and infrastructure interventions across the country.
"We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela -Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model" he said.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, and Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu harped on the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridor of the road to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.
"Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward, as the government determines the well-being of its citizens.
He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success.
The former Senator representing Kaduna South, Senator Danjuma La’al commended the Federal Government's efforts at infrastructure development in the State.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A Ahmed on Monday in Abuja.
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