David Umahi, Minister of Works, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to the timely completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Katsina-Kano Federal Highway under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Umahi made this statement during a courtesy visit from Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the event, the minister mentioned that he had received a directive from President Tinubu to develop a program that would ensure the project’s completion within the coming year.
He assured the governor that the project, which was inherited from the previous administration, would be divided into three sections and initiated promptly.
According to a statement released by the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, Uchenna Orji, Umahi said, “The first 38 kilometers will be handled by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit using concrete. The subsequent 82 kilometers will be assigned to Julius Berger. Finally, the remaining 20 kilometers will be completed by BUA, also utilizing concrete.”
Umahi confirmed that work on these three sections is expected to commence within the current month of May.
The minister expressed his admiration for the peace and progress witnessed in Kaduna State under Governor Sani’s leadership, despite existing challenges.
Additionally, he mentioned that the President’s directive to design a 1,000-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Highway is being promptly handled by the Federal Ministry of Works, covering the old African trade route from Sokoto to Badagry through various states
There was also a proposal in progress to link the South East to the North via the Trans Sahara Highway, passing through Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and concluding in Abuja.
During his part, Governor Sani of Kaduna State praised the President’s dedication and vision in revolutionizing road infrastructure, which serves as a stimulant for the socio-economic advancement of the nation.
Governor Sani lauded the president’s initiative to construct the Lagos-Calabar Road and the Sokoto-Badagry road, recognizing the potential socio-economic benefits these projects will bring once completed.