The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed contractors handling various sections of the N761 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road to adhere to agreed timelines for the project’s completion.
Umahi emphasized the project’s importance for regional development during an inspection tour of the Abuja-Kaduna section on Saturday. He was accompanied by Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, and other officials.
“We can’t stay in the office and know what’s going on in the field. Site inspection, sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project,” Umahi said.
The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve security across Northern Nigeria, with some sections having a 14-month timeline for completion.
Umahi highlighted the innovative approach being adopted for the project, including the use of reinforced concrete and flexible asphalt pavement.
“For section 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometers was given at a total price of N252 billion, the President has paid 30 percent, which is around N60 billion,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that his integrity was at stake if the project is not completed within the specified timeframe.
“We want to commend the contractors and we also want to frown seriously (at the pace of work) because my integrity is at stage if we don’t complete the project in 14 months,” Umahi said.
Umahi also urged Nigerians, especially young engineers, to understand the new trend and innovation in road construction.
“The President has directed that no NNPC project should be stopped, we are going to prioritize it, we are going to put forward what a contractor we do in the next one year, we are going to work on milestone and not on certificate,” he added.
Goronyo commended the contractors for the quality of work done so far but charged them to improve their speed to make up for time lost due to the rainy season. “People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth.
