UMAHI COMMENDS PROGRESS AND QUALITY OF WORK ON RE-AWARDED SECTIONS OF ABUJA-KADUNA-ZARIA-KANO ROAD PROJECT

"Today, I can say that my integrity and that of the Ministry of Works have been redeemed by the quality of work that Infiouest is doing". Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi CON

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi on Saturday 28th June 2025, paid an inspection visit to Section I of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal road being completed on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement.

On the Ministers entourage were the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, a PDP stalwart and spokesperson to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 Presidential campaign, Segun Sowunmi alongside Directors of key departments of the Federal Ministry of Works.

Umahi, who was elated by the progress and quality of of work being done by the contractor handling the project; Infiouest International Limited, said the development has vindicated the Federal Ministry of Works' decision to severe the contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd due to cost differentials. 

He praised the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, in ensuring speedy and quality delivery of the project.

"Let me say that I am very grateful to Mr. President for the support in the reconstruction of this project. When we terminated this project because of the cost differences between the Ministry of Works and Julius Berger, it became a very big challenging task for me. Without the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, it would have been very difficult to redeem my integrity.

"Today, I can say that my integrity and that of the Ministry of Works have been redeemed by the quality of work that Infiouest is doing", the Minister stated.

Recounting the additional work approved  by Mr. President within the route of the project and the quality of work being done by the contractor, the Minister said, "In section I, which is 38 kilometres plus  section II, which is 40 by 2, (80kms) we have completed over 11 kilometres with reinforced concrete pavement. You need to see this road before now. We are pulverising. We are putting a stone base, about 80-inch stone base. We are putting a cement to mix it and compact it. We are putting Y-20 reinforcement. We have it in bridges and then a 20-cm intervals, and then we are putting a 16-millimetre reinforced concrete with wires, and then we are completing 200-millimetre reinforced concrete grade 40. And so we have completed 11 kilometers."

It would be recalled that following the high price submitted by Julius Berger Plc for the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, awarded by the past administration, the Federal Executive Council under the federal government terminated the contract with Julius Berger Plc and approved the award of contract for the completion of the outstanding sections of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road (Sections I & III), contract no. 8785, WR.17382/1 and the award of contract for the completion of outstanding works on Abuja- Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, Section II (Kaduna-Zaria) road in Kaduna State, Contract no. 8824, WR. 17421/1. 

"There had been concerns over the deplorable state of the inherited project, which was a source of nightmare to road users before the intervention of Mr. President. But today, tremendous milestones have been attained in the completion of the road.

The impression of the public on the government's efforts to complete the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano project was aptly captured in the words of the Honourable Minister of State for Works when he was commending the stalwart of PDP, who came to see for himself the extent of work done on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project. 

"This is something that is new in our politics because people in opposition stay in their comfort zones, and they criticize the government without knowing what is happening there. But you took your time to join my Honourable Minister, to see for yourself and appreciate what the government of President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing in this country.

"Let me commend you highly for your patriotism and your vision for this country. I had an opportunity to discuss with you when we were coming to this place, and I saw that your passion and your commitment are for a greater and one Nigeria." Goronyo stated.

Commending Mr. President for his commitment to the timely delivery of the  project, the Minister of State Works said; "Let me also commend highly our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for giving infrastructure a thriving place, particularly the Ministry of Works, because the resources are there, but of course it's matched with commitment. Because it's one thing to give resources, and it's another thing to have the commitment for this project. And I must say that the Minister is somebody who is working day and night to actualize this feat."

Deputy Majority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, in his comments, applauded the Works Minister for being exceptional, stating that, "It is on record that you are the only Minister of Works that has always done constant supervision of projects, all geared towards ensuring value for money and quality job." 

"President Tinubu has done marvelously well in our road infrastructure, which is fundamental for economic prosperity. The one that impressed me most is the Lagos-Calabar road that veers off Ebonyi, Benue, and will connect to Abuja."

Also, Segun Sowunmi, said the quality and speed of the project execution, which he confirmed was of the same quality with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway projects, was impressive. 

He thanked the President of Nigeria for the good job he is doing in the area of road infrastructure development. He used the opportunity to appeal to those engaging in destructive criticism, especially those who speak unpatriotically about Nigeria to  have a change of heart. 

"I just want to thank you. And I want to through you, the members of the media, talk to the Nigerian people. We have our nation's integrity to protect. We have our nation to jointly build. And we have our democracy to keep pushing. But by no means must democracy translate in a war to constantly shaming your country, never saying any good about your country, and instigating people only to hate  and fight themselves."

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works has declared an emergency on the state of the dualization of Suleja-Minna road. 

Umahi disclosed that Mr. President was concerned by the deplorable state of the road and directed that urgent action should be taken to fix the road to restore the confidence of the road users. 

He maintained that the contractor; Messrs. Salini Nigeria Ltd was responsible for the failure in the delivery of the project on time and in specification. Adding that the termination of the job due to non-performance, is irrevocable.

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