By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE LONG-awaited reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway has officially begun, signalling a major shift in infrastructure renewal for Northern Nigeria.
The flag-off ceremony was held on Sunday in Jere, Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State, where Governor Uba Sani, representing President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the road’s significance to the region’s socio-economic vitality.
Describing the corridor as the second busiest highway in Nigeria—surpassed only by the Lagos-Ibadan expressway—Sani stressed that it links the Federal Capital Territory to over a dozen states across the north-central, north-west, and north-east zones.
Years of deterioration have led to tragic consequences, both in terms of human lives and economic decline.
“We have watched helplessly as this road became a death trap. It is the busiest in the North, and its collapse has been a major setback for trade, movement, and development,” Sani said.
He explained that as a senator, he had mobilised fellow lawmakers and held public engagements to push for the project’s resumption.
He added that President Tinubu responded swiftly by instructing the Minister of Works to prioritise the project.
According to Sani, the highway’s reconstruction will revitalise the region, providing relief to communities, stimulating job creation, and strengthening security.
The effort, he said, dovetails with Kaduna’s broader non-kinetic strategy for addressing insecurity, known as the Kaduna Peace Model.
“We’ve seen the return of peace along the Abuja-Kaduna axis thanks to the coordination of security agencies under the guidance of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu,” he said.
Tinubu, through directives issued to the Ministry of Works, has expanded the scope of the project.
The Kano section has been extended by 11 kilometres to connect directly with Aminu Kano International Airport, taking the total length to 291km.
David Umahi, Minister of Works, announced that the entire 700km highway would be reconstructed using concrete-reinforced pavement, in line with the standards of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
He set a 14-month timeline for completion.
Umahi also revealed the termination of Julius Berger’s previous contract, replacing it with a new contractor with a stronger execution record.
“I have no regrets awarding them this job,” he said.
The minister confirmed that President Tinubu directed the installation of solar-powered street lighting and closed-circuit television surveillance along the entire stretch to bolster security and safety.
Sections 1 and 3 of the highway, totalling 118km, have been awarded at a cost of ₦252 billion, with 30 percent of the funding already disbursed to the contractor.
Expanded Road Agenda for Kaduna
Beyond the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor, Tinubu has mandated the acceleration of two long-stalled projects in Kaduna: the Eastern Bypass and the Western Bypass along Nnamdi Azikiwe Way. Both projects are expected to decongest the city and improve long-distance travel.
Umahi credited the Kaduna State Government for its role in uniting community and political support behind the project.
“This reconstruction is possible because of the smart leadership and unity Governor Uba Sani has built around President Tinubu and the APC,” Umahi said.
With bulldozers rolling and security stabilised, the long-anticipated revival of this crucial highway is finally underway—ushering in a new phase of connectivity, safety, and regional development across Northern Nigeria.
