Abuja-Kano expressway set for revival

President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the long-awaited reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, a critical transport corridor vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the President at the flag-off ceremony in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area on Sunday, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the project as transformative for the region. He noted that the highway connects the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The Abuja-Kano road is not just any road—it is the busiest in northern Nigeria and the second busiest in the country after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,” Governor Sani stated. “Its deterioration over the years has cost lives, stalled development, and crippled economic activities.”

Governor Sani hailed the project as a game changer, saying it would generate thousands of jobs, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth across the North. He revealed that the road’s reconstruction had been a personal mission since his time as a senator.

“In response to the cries of citizens and travelers suffering on this road, I personally appealed to President Tinubu,” he said. “The President not only listened—he acted, giving marching orders to the Minister of Works to kickstart the project immediately.”

The Governor cited security concerns and funding challenges as major reasons for previous delays, particularly along the Kaduna-Abuja stretch. He praised the federal government’s non-kinetic security strategies and the efforts of National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for improving safety along the corridor.

“Today, motorists can travel this road at any time without fear of attacks,” Sani said, applauding the coordination of security agencies under the Kaduna Peace Model.

Governor Sani also announced President Tinubu’s directive to fast-track other stalled federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre highway will be completed within 14 months, using high-quality concrete pavement similar to that of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road.

Umahi revealed that an additional 11 kilometres will be added to the project to extend it to Aminu Kano International Airport. He also disclosed that the contract had been re-awarded to a new, proven contractor after the termination of the previous agreement with Julius Berger.

“I have no regrets awarding the contract to this new firm—they’ve been tested and proven capable,” he said.

In a further boost to infrastructure and security, Umahi announced that the highway will feature solar-powered street lighting and CCTV surveillance along its entire length.

He added that the President had approved N252 billion for the reconstruction of sections 1 and 3, totaling 118 kilometres—of which 30% has already been paid.

Umahi commended Governor Uba Sani for his dedication to the project, calling him “a smart governor who has united Kaduna people behind President Tinubu and the APC.”