FG COMMITTED TO COMPLETION OF ABUJA- KADUNA-KANO FEDERAL HIGHWAY IN ONE YEAR ....... Commences Design Of sokoto-Badagry Road

"We are going to have the first section of 38 kilometers by 2 (76 kilometers) done by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit and it is going to use concrete to do it. We will allow Julius Berger to handle the next 82 kilometers. Umahi.

"The last 20 kilometers by 2, (which is 40 kilometers) will be handled by BUA and they will also use concrete to do that. i can assure you that the job will start in these three sections within this month of May."

Nigeria's Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has restated the commitment of the Federal Government towards the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kastina- Kano Federal Highway within the stipilated time as scheduled. 

Engr Umahi disclosed this when he received in audience, the Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani who was in his office on an official visit to the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja on Tuesday 7th May 2024. 

Senator Umahi while addressing the Kaduna state Governor, disclosed that Mr President had directed him to present a programme that could see to the completion of the project within the next one year. 

He assured the Governor that the project, which was inherited from the past administration, would be started in three sections as soon as possible. He said, "We are going to have the first section of 38 kilometers by 2 (76 kilometers) done by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit and it is going to use concrete to do it. We will allow the next 82 kilometers for Julius Berger to handle. And then the last 20 kilometers by 2,  (which is 40 kilometers) for BUA to handle and to also use concrete to do that. And I can assure you that the job will start in these three sections within this month of May."

The Minister commended the Governor for the peace and development being witnessed in Kaduna State under his administration despite inherent challenges.

"I want to commend you very highly. In spite of the challenges you have in your State, you have started extremely very well. And God will be with you. God will provide the means because you mean well for the nation, for your people in Kaduna State and in fact, for everyone who is living in Kaduna State. I want to commend you for the unity of the State and the oneness of the State, irrespective of religion."

He further stated that the President's  directive on the designing of the 1000 kilometers Sokoto- Badagry Highway was being handled with dispatch by the Federal Ministry of Works, noting that  the project would cover the old African  trade route of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos States, connecting to Badagry.  

He also stated that a proposal was being made to link the South-East to the North through the Trans Sahara Highway that would have a spur passing through Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and end in Abuja.

In his response, the Governor extolled  the vision and will of President Tinubu Nigeria in revolutionizing road infrastructure, which is a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the  nation and, the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Works which has changed the narrative in the development of road infrastructure in Nigeria.

"I have to commend you for your efforts. Since your assumption to office, you have made us proud. You have done extremely well. I will say this is because you have been able to follow the blueprint of our President, who has promised everyone when he was elected, that he would take development to every part of Nigeria, irrespective of those that elected him or not. And of course, that is the agenda, that is the Renewed Hope. Today, we are proud to say that development is reaching everywhere in Nigeria."

Uba Sani commended the President's initiative to construct Lagos-Calabar road and the Sokoto-Badagry road, noting that the projects would enhance the socio-economic potential of the country when completed. 

He emphasized the importance of Federal Government's intervention on the Eastern Bypass in Kaduna State, the Mando-Birnin Gwari road connecting the North West. He said that the road was of prime importance for agricultural programmes in the North. 

"For all of us in Northern Nigeria, you will agree with me that farming is very important. And what we really want is creating opportunities for people that are in the rural areas. That will certainly help, particularly our farmers, linking our farms with markets. Our people believe in this infrastructure to support our farmers.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Orji Uchenna Orji, Esq, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Works.