The Federal Government of Nigeria has guaranteed that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be completed and ready for use within 14 months. This assurance was given by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Section 1 (Abuja to Kaduna) of the road on Thursday.
This vital artery connecting major cities is divided into three sections: Section 1 from Abuja to Kaduna, Section 2 from Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 from Zaria to Kano. The rehabilitation project involves extensive work like scarification and pulverization of the existing bituminous surface, filling of embankments, and the provision of approved crushed rock material for stability. Other significant enhancements include reinforced concrete-lined drains, median barriers, and a thick layer of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) on both the carriageway and shoulders.
Minister Idris highlighted that this project’s timeline was a result of direct intervention by President Bola Tinubu, who was dissatisfied with the previous contractor’s commitment to a three-year completion timeline. The decision to segment the road into three parts was strategic, aimed at expediting the construction process. “President Bola Tinubu is very committed and determined to ensure that this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in a record time of 14 months,” Idris stated, emphasizing that any delays would be unacceptable.
Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, provided further details on the project, noting that the road would not only be reconstructed but also extended to connect with Aminu Kano International Airport and include a five-kilometer extension on the Abuja-Lokoja end. He assured that the road, which would feature solar lighting, is designed to last between 50 to 100 years, addressing past issues like alligator cracks, potholes, and poor drainage which have plagued the route.
Umahi explained the urgency and scale of the current interventions: “The existing pavement between Abuja and Kaduna has undergone different levels of deterioration over the years. This has caused failure due to alligator cracks, corrugation, shoving, underground pumping, rutting, ravelling, potholes, and poor drainage.” Emergency repairs have been ongoing across four different stretches to fast-track the process, aiming to alleviate the suffering of road users.
This project not only represents a significant infrastructural improvement but also reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and economic activity between these major Nigerian cities. With strong governmental backing and oversight, the expectation is that this critical road will soon transform travel and commerce in the region, offering a durable solution to long-standing transportation challenges.
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