N752bn Abuja-Kano highway to be completed by November – Umahi

The Federal Government has announced that the remaining sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be completed by November, with the total cost estimated at N752 billion. According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over 80% of the cost for the two major sections being handled by the current administration has already been paid.

Umahi highlighted that the government is installing solar-powered streetlights along the highway and will deploy "superhighway guards" to protect the road from vandalism. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route spans 375 kilometers in one direction, totaling 750 kilometers when both carriageways are considered. The government had previously invested over N200 billion in the portion of the road managed by Julius Berger, resulting in the completion of 240 kilometers on each carriageway, amounting to 480 kilometers.

Another 140 kilometers, or 280 kilometers when both carriageways are considered, remain to be completed. Umahi emphasized that the current administration achieved a significant milestone by constructing 118 kilometers of concrete pavement within 30 months, while work continues on the remaining 164 kilometers, or 82 kilometers on each carriageway.

The minister defended the administration's spending on infrastructure, asserting that the projects are creating jobs and generating economic opportunities nationwide.