President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway, a critical federal road considered the lifeline of socio-economic activity across Northern Nigeria.
Represented by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area on Sunday, the President described the highway as a “major artery” connecting the Federal Capital Territory to over a dozen states across the North Central, North West, and North East regions.
Speaking passionately about the significance of the project, Governor Sani decried years of neglect that led to a rapid deterioration of the road, resulting in countless fatalities and stunted economic growth. “It is the busiest highway in the North and the second busiest in the country, after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” he said. “Our people watched helplessly as this road became a death trap.”
The Governor emphasized that the reconstruction will bring transformational benefits: job creation, improved security, and economic revitalization. He credited his advocacy as a former Senator — organizing town halls, rallying lawmakers, and engaging directly with President Tinubu — for setting the project in motion.
“In response to the cries of our citizens, I met with the President. Not only did he listen, he issued swift directives to the Minister of Works to ensure the project takes off immediately,” Sani stated.
He acknowledged that one of the major barriers to the completion of the road was insecurity, particularly on the Kaduna-Abuja axis. However, he lauded the current administration’s “non-kinetic” security strategy, which he said has restored safe travel along the route.
Governor Sani also commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for implementing the Kaduna Peace Model, which has helped stabilize the region through improved coordination among security agencies.
The President has also directed the acceleration of other federal road projects in Kaduna, including the long-stalled Eastern and Western Bypasses.
Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, who also spoke at the event, assured that the 700-kilometre reconstruction will be completed within 14 months. He revealed that the road will be built with concrete-reinforced pavement and enhanced with solar-powered lighting and CCTV surveillance.
Umahi further stated that the project contract was re-awarded to a new construction firm with a track record of quality delivery following the termination of Julius Berger’s contract. “I have no regrets awarding this job to a proven contractor,” he declared.
He announced that an additional 11 kilometres will be added to the Kano end of the project, extending it to Aminu Kano International Airport. So far, 30% of the N252 billion allocated for Sections 1 and 3 — totaling 118 kilometres — has already been paid.
Praising Governor Uba Sani for his persistence and leadership, Umahi described him as “a smart governor who has united Kaduna State behind the President and the APC.”
Civil society organizations have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue intervention with the potential to significantly improve mobility, security, and regional commerce. They urged transparency and citizen oversight throughout the project’s execution.
