Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road ready in 14 months – FG

Idris made this statement yesterday during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Section 1 of the road (from Abuja to Kaduna).

Section 1 runs from Abuja to Kaduna, while Section 2 extends from Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 goes from Zaria to Kano.

The project includes the scarification and pulverization of the existing bituminous surface to use as sub-base material, as well as filling of embankments.

Additional work will involve providing approved crushed rock material (wet or dry) to a thickness of 100mm with 3% stabilization in the shoulders and carriageway, reinforced concrete lined drains, and other necessary hydraulic structures.

Other aspects of the project include the installation of median barriers and drains where needed, and the application of a 200mm thick continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) on both the carriageway and shoulders.

Idris noted that Minister of Works, David Umahi, had thoroughly addressed the political concerns surrounding the road project.

“President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to ensuring that the Abuja to Kano road is completed within the ambitious timeframe of 14 months. This is why the government terminated the previous contract with a contractor who claimed it would take three years to finish. The government insisted on a 14-month timeline,” he stated.

He added that the project was divided into three segments to facilitate construction, emphasizing that Nigerians who use this road are eager for its completion.

Idris asserted that any delays would not be tolerated. “The President has issued a directive, and the National Assembly is providing necessary support, ensuring there will be no obstacles. Within 14 months, we will have a brand new road from Abuja to Kano,” he said.

Meanwhile, Umahi explained that the road will be extended to Aminu Kano International Airport and will also include an additional five-kilometer stretch on the Abuja-Lokoja side.

According to Umahi, Section 1 starts at Zuba Junction and Zuba Interchange, terminating at the Kaduna Western Bypass. He mentioned that the road would feature solar lights and is expected to last between 50 and 100 years.

He noted that the existing pavement between Abuja and Kaduna has suffered significant deterioration over the years, leading to issues such as alligator cracks, corrugation, shoving, underground pumping, rutting, ravelling, potholes, and poor drainage.

To address these problems, the ministry has initiated emergency repairs on this stretch to alleviate the difficulties faced by road users.

Umahi stated that maintenance work is currently being carried out simultaneously across four different sections to expedite the repairs.