- Minister David Umahi expresses confidence in finalizing all segments of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway within the next 24 months
- The revised timeline, developed in collaboration with Julius Berger, contrasts with the previous goal of completing the road this year
Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, expressed confidence that all segments of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway will be finalized within the next 24 months. This announcement came during Umahi’s inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna section of the highway.
Accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, Umahi shared that the government revised the timeline in collaboration with the road’s contractor, Julius Berger Construction Company. The new commitment contrasts with the previous pledge to complete the road this year.
The initial promise for the road’s completion within 36 months was made by the previous government under Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. However, only the Kaduna to Zaria section saw completion during the government’s tenure.
Umahi attributed the delays to financial constraints but reassured the public of the government’s unwavering dedication to finishing the project promptly. He disclosed that Julius Berger committed to completing 15 kilometers daily under the agreed-upon timeline, signaling a determined effort to meet the new completion goal.
We’ll Provide Alternative On Toll Roads – Umahi
Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has emphasized the necessity of providing alternatives to highway toll gates. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi highlighted the legal requirement for offering alternative routes when tolling existing roads.
According to Umahi, “It is very important that every project must have alternative routes; by law, you cannot toll roads if there is no alternative route to it.”
The recent concessioning of 12 roads under the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI) during the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari paved the way for tolling on these roads, aiming to enhance their commercial viability.