The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has flagged off rehabilitation work on the Abuja-Kano Dual Carriageway as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the reconstruction will enhance economic growth and social development.

Umahi inaugurated the project on Friday, expressing regret that the road has been under construction for many years.

He stressed that the economic importance of the road cannot be overemphasized, as it links the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to the northern part of the country.

The minister explained that the project will be executed in three sections: Abuja-Kaduna (Section I), Kaduna-Zaria (Section II), and Zaria-Kano (Section III). The Zaria-Kano section is substantially completed, with about 17 kilometres remaining, and has recently been extended by 5.3 kilometres to connect with Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

He disclosed that BUA (Nig.) Plc will handle the Kaduna-Zaria section, while Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc is working under the original contract arrangement, which was reviewed to N740 billion. He said that no further reviews of the contract would be entertained.

Umahi also said that the ministry may consider using concrete for parts of the project, ensuring the same quality as that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway or the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, which are designed to last between 50 and 100 years.

The minister directed two immediate actions to ease the plight of road users: palliative work on failed portions of the road and the mobilization of contractors to the site, with an expected completion date in November.

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“A portion of Section I of the road has been awarded to Dangote Industries Plc, which subcontracted it to Messrs Hitech (Nig.),” he added.

Earlier, the Director of Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engr. Umar Bakare, stated that the original contract was awarded to Julius Berger Plc in 2018 and divided into three sections for easier execution.

“Section II is substantially completed, while Section III is at an advanced stage of completion. However, Section I is only about 27% completed. Given the road’s importance as a major link to the FCT and its economic significance to the country, it is imperative to fast-track the completion of the outstanding sections of the dual carriageway,” Bakare explained.

He further noted that Section I covers a 38-kilometre stretch (dual), and the scope of work includes scarification, pulverization, and compaction of the distressed pavement to serve as a sub-base.

Also speaking, the representative of Dangote Group, Bukar Abba, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Minister for the confidence placed in Dangote Industries Ltd. He assured that the company would adhere strictly to the project specifications and the proposed completion timeline.