Abuja-Kano road to be completed in November – Umahi

Nigeria's Federal Government plans to complete the remaining 164 kilometers of the crucial Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway by November. Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, announced the target during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

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The President funded part of this project. We have spent over N200 billion on that project. We are back here with the remaining 164 kilometres, 82 kilometres by two. Both of these projects are costing us N752 billion under the President. Over 80 per cent has been paid. We believe that by November, the entire stretch will have been completed.

Umahi stated that the government has allocated over N200 billion to the project, with more than 80 percent of payments already disbursed for the current phase. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu's administration's dedication to finishing major road infrastructure, identifying the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor as a key legacy project. The total length of the highway is 750 kilometers, and the government has committed N752 billion under the current administration.

Expressing concern over the vandalism of federal highways, Umahi stressed the need for decisive action. As a measure to enhance safety and visibility, solar streetlights will be installed along the highway. He also announced plans to implement a highway guard system similar to one inaugurated for the Lagos coastal highway to deter theft of construction materials, such as steel rods embedded in concrete.

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I just came back from Lagos when we inaugurated the coastal highway guard. We are going to inaugurate same on this Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria, Kano Superhighway. This is because I saw people digging the concrete to remove rods and vandalising the construction.

The minister urged Nigerian youth and students to actively participate in monitoring federal projects and holding officials accountable. He proposed a partnership with NANS and other youth organizations for project oversight, cautioning against blackmail or intimidation of contractors. Umahi also encouraged young Nigerians to focus on skill development and productive engagement, rather than solely relying on government support. He advised them to critically assess the administration's performance and the platforms of political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections, prioritizing issues and policies in their discourse.

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We need to be accountable. If you help us to monitor these projects, please, no blackmail, no intimidation, no altercation with contractors. If you do this intelligently and honestly, we are partners.