Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s investment in critical infrastructure across Kano and the North-West geopolitical zone have brought social economic and human capital development to the region.

Yusuf specifically cited the Federal Government’s massive investment in roads, railways, gas pipelines and other strategic infrastructure projects would accelerate economic growth, improve transportation and reposition the North as industrial and commercial hub.

The Governor made the remark Wednesday during the commissioning 17.32 km Asphalt Pavement Zaria-Kano high ways comprising 4.73km at Kunkumi and 12.57 km from Karfi to A.Y Maikifi filing station in Kano, at the cost of N252, 887, 527, 862. 66.

The Governor, who represented President Tinubu at the ceremony, commended the administration for reviving the strategic highway project, which was initially awarded in 2018 but remained uncompleted for several years.

He attributed the progress recorded on the project to the President’s determination to address infrastructure deficits and improve economic activities in the northern region.

According to him, the decision to review the contract and engage a more competent contractor had accelerated construction and ensured the completion of critical sections of the highway.

Yusuf particularly praised the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for his commitment, resilience and effective supervision of the project.

He described Umahi as one of the most outstanding ministers in Nigeria’s history, noting that his leadership had significantly improved the execution of federal road projects. He expressed appreciation to the President for the honour of representing him at the historic event.

“The reconstruction of the Kano–Kaduna–Abuja corridor came at the right time because it is one of the most strategic transportation routes in Northern Nigeria.

“It facilitates the movement of people, agricultural produce, manufactured goods, commercial products and other services. It will also reduce travel time, improve road safety, lower vehicle operating costs and, most importantly, strengthen economic activities across our region,” Yusuf said.

The Governor disclosed that the Tinubu administration was currently executing several multibillion-naira road projects across Kano State, describing the interventions as evidence of the President’s commitment to the development of the state.

He listed the continuation of the Kano–Maiduguri Road dualisation, the Kano–Wudil–Gaya–Shuari Road project, valued at over N124 billion, and the Western Bypass Road, estimated at over N36 billion, among the major federal interventions.

He identified the Kano–Katsina–Jibia–Maradi Standard Gauge Railway, valued at approximately $1.9 billion, and the Kaduna–Kano Standard Gauge Railway, estimated at $1.71 billion, as landmark investments.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the Federal Government has completed 118 kilometres of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, while construction work on another 164-kilometre section has reached an advanced stage.

Umahi also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is executing road projects covering approximately 4,000 kilometres across the North-West geopolitical zone, urging the North to return the President for the second term based on his performance in the region.

Umahi explained that the 375-kilometre dual carriageway, which had suffered delays under previous arrangements, was redesigned to incorporate reinforced concrete pavement technology to guarantee durability and reduce maintenance costs.