The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a 14-month timeline to complete the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway, a critical infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity and safety across northern Nigeria.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this during the inauguration of rehabilitation works on the Abuja-Kaduna section. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the project is delivered on schedule.
“President Bola Tinubu is very committed and determined to to ensure that this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in a record time of 14 months,” he stated.
To accelerate progress, the project has been divided into three segments. Section 1 covers Abuja to Kaduna, Section 2 covers Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 covers Zaria to Kano.
The rehabilitation will include extensive upgrades such as scarifying existing surfaces, filling embankments, stabilising crushed rock materials, and constructing reinforced concrete-lined drains.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced additional plans to extend the dual carriageway to include a link to Aminu Kano International Airport and a five-kilometre stretch on the Abuja-Lokoja axis. He assured the public that the rehabilitated road, reinforced with concrete and solar lighting, will have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road rehabilitation has faced delays and escalating costs. Originally awarded to Julius Berger, the contract was terminated in October 2024 after the company proposed an extended timeline and a sharp increase in project costs.
Julius Berger initially agreed to complete the project for N740 billion, with a monthly payment of N20 billion. However, the company later requested an increase to N903 billion, prompting the government to terminate the contract.
Minister Umahi criticised the escalating costs and inefficiencies, emphasising that the new segmented approach would ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. Emergency repairs are also being carried out across four sections to alleviate hardships for road users during the rehabilitation process.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway is a vital corridor for transportation and trade in Nigeria. The federal government’s decision to reassign and segment the project aims to expedite completion, reduce costs, and address longstanding issues of poor road conditions, including cracks, potholes, and inadequate drainage.
With the renewed commitment from the Tinubu administration, the project is expected to be completed by early 2026, significantly boosting infrastructure in the region.
