10 Major Road and Rail Projects Linked to Buhari’s Administration

Naijaonpoint Media highlights 10 Major Road and Rail Projects Linked to Buhari’s Administration — see full list below.

 

The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, undertook a number of road and rail infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and boosting economic growth.

Buhari passed away a few days ago at the age of 82.

This article highlights 10 notable transport infrastructure projects spanning expressways, bridges, and rail lines that were either initiated, significantly advanced, or completed during Buhari’s time in office.

While this list is not exhaustive, it offers a snapshot of the efforts made during his two-term presidency to reshape the country’s transport landscape, some of which are still ongoing under the current administration.

1. Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway

The Muhammadu Buhari administration awarded the 375km Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano dual carriageway to Julius Berger in 2017. Initially planned as a rehabilitation project, the project was later upgraded to full reconstruction, which led to delays.

By 2021, over 100km had been completed, but the road remained unfinished by the end of Buhari’s tenure. The current administration resumed work in 2024 with a ₦20 billion monthly funding plan, and ₦50 billion had been released by March 2025.

The contract for the Abuja–Kaduna section was later revoked and re-awarded. Completion is now projected for 2026.

2. Apapa–Oworonshoki–Ojota Expressway

To decongest the Lagos port corridor, the Buhari government initiated the reconstruction of this 36km expressway in November 2018.

The project was awarded to AG Dangote Construction Ltd under the tax credit scheme for ₦73 billion. It was built in four sections using reinforced concrete, with HITECH Construction as a subcontractor.

Although near completion by April 2021, the road was not delivered before Buhari left office. It was completed and inaugurated in 2024 by the Tinubu administration, who described it as critical to Nigeria’s logistics economy.

3. Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges

Construction of the long-anticipated Bodo–Bonny road began in 2017, decades after its initial proposal in the 1980s. The 34km project features 13 bridges and is being handled by Julius Berger.

Initially awarded at ₦120 billion, the cost rose to ₦199.9 billion by 2021 due to adjustments. In 2024, the Tinubu government approved a revised cost of ₦280 billion and granted a 12-month extension. Delivery is now expected in September 2025.

4. Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a key corridor linking Lagos to the Southwest, saw significant progress during Buhari’s presidency.

The project was nearing completion by the end of his administration. However, issues with black-cutting soil on a 4km stretch near Lagos caused a delay. Rather than deliver a compromised road, the Buhari government opted to reconstruct the affected section for long-term durability.

The Tinubu government has since picked up the remaining work.

5. Kaduna–Kano Railway

Launched on July 15, 2021, the $1.2 billion Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway formed part of the larger Lagos–Kano rail corridor.

Due to delays in Chinese loan disbursement, the Buhari administration funded the project with over $280 million in budgetary allocations. Additional commitments of $100 million were also made.

Although the project remained incomplete in 2023, China committed to funding it under the Belt and Road Initiative in 2024. Construction continues under the Tinubu administration.

6. Abuja–Kaduna Railway

Commissioned on July 26, 2016, the Abuja–Kaduna railway was Nigeria’s first operational standard-gauge line. It became a major milestone under Buhari’s infrastructure drive.

The 186km rail line, which links Nigeria’s capital to Kaduna, was originally awarded at $849 million, but later adjusted to $1.04 billion after additional safety installations.

It served as the foundation for future rail projects, including Lagos–Ibadan and Kano–Maradi.

7. Port Harcourt–Aba Railway

The Port Harcourt–Aba railway section was the first phase of the $3 billion Eastern Corridor project, and its rehabilitation began on March 9, 2021.

The 1,443km corridor aims to connect 13 states, including Rivers, Enugu, Benue, Kaduna, and Borno. It was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with Nigeria contributing 15% of the funding and the rest coming from Chinese financiers.

The Port Harcourt–Aba section was completed in 2024, while other phases remain ongoing.

8. Second Niger Bridge

After years of delays under previous governments, the Second Niger Bridge took shape during Buhari’s presidency via the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

Constructed at a cost of ₦336 billion, the bridge features a 1.6km span and 10.3km of approach roads. It was officially commissioned in May 2023 and later named in Buhari’s honour.

Access roads are still being completed, with final sections flagged off in March 2025.

9. Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway

This 157km line was both started and completed under Buhari’s administration as part of the broader Lagos–Kano corridor.

In 2020, $318 million was approved as counterpart funding. Despite pandemic-related delays, the $1.5 billion railway—executed by CCECC—was commissioned in June 2021 and includes a 7km spur to Apapa Port.

By 2024, it had safely transported over 2 million passengers.

10. Kano–Maradi Railway

Approved in 2020 at a cost of $1.96 billion, this 283km line was designed to connect Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic via Daura, Katsina, and Jibiya.

The Buhari administration awarded the project to Portuguese firm Mota-Engil, and construction included a training institute for railway professionals.

Although originally planned for completion in 36 months, the project extended into the Tinubu era. By May 2024, the Kano–Daura section was nearing delivery. In October, the AfDB committed $350 million in additional funding to support full completion.

Conclusion

While many of the projects initiated during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency were not completed within his eight years in office, his administration laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s transport development.

From highways to railway corridors and long-awaited bridges, these projects reflect Buhari’s broader focus on national infrastructure, one that is still influencing Nigeria’s progress under the current administration.