From:Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu has flagged-off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, a critical road that is vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the President, Governor Uba Sani described the road as 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 which took place at Jere in Kagarko Local G
overnment on Sunday, the Governor noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.
Governor Uba Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched helplessly as its 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 our region,” he added.
The Governor recalled that as a senator, he had pushed for the road’s completion, by mobilizing fellow lawmakers, organizing a town hall meeting, and engaging directly with President Tinubu.
“In response to the cries of our citizens and travelers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and President, 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 delay,” he said.
According to him, one of the reasons that the contractor gave for not completing the project apart from funding was the insecurity that was prevailing along the Kaduna-Abuja road at that time.
Governor Uba 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 without fear of being attacked.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilizing 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 the President has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometer road would be completed within 14 months with concrete-reinforced pavement.
According to him, the road’s standard will be like the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, and the president has added 11 kilometers to the 280 kilometers at the Kano section, extending to the Aminu Kano International Airport.
He revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger, the project had been 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”
Umahi also disclosed that the president also said that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and Close Circuit TV surveillance, ‘’throughout the stretch.’’
The Minister further said that President Tinubu has ‘’awarded the completion of sections of sections 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometers for a total sum of N252 billion, 30% of this amount has been paid to the contracting firm.’’
He commended Governor Uba Sani for his relentless efforts to ensure the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the President and the APC.”
