Work Commences On Vital Federal Road That Links Four States

Work Commences On Vital Federal Road That Links Four States

The Federal Government has flagged-off the reconstruction of the 375.4 – kilometre Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, a vital link between the South and the North of the country.

The existing road which has outlived its service life span of 20 years was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on December 20, 2017 to Messrs Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc at a contract sum of N155, 470, 626, 078.07 (One Hundred and Fifty-Five Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy Million, Six Hundred and Twenty- Six Thousand, Seventy-Eight Naira and Seven Kobo) with a completion period of three years.

The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, performed the flag-off ceremony on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, at Chiromawa Town, Kano State, recently.

Fashola pointed out that President Buhari requires the support of well meaning Nigerians to deliver on the mandate of rebuilding the nation. According to him, ‘’one of the objectives of the Economy Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the present Administration, lunched by Mr. President in 2016, is in fulfilment of the  promise to make Nigeria a globally competitive country’’.

He added that a major critical action point of the ERGP was to renew, improve and increase the stock of infrastructure, particularly in the road sector. He stressed that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project will reduce the cost and time of travelling, as well as stimulate economic and social development in the country.

The Minister noted that in the face of limited resources, the President approved the SUKUK bond to improve economic activities on 25 arterial roads spread across the six geo-political zones, adding that construction works are ongoing with teeming population of youth gainfully employed on these road projects being funded by the SUKUK bond.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing, Alh. Mohammed Bukar, while thanking dignitaries that graced the flag-off ceremony, stated that the Ministry is vigorously pursuing the mandate of this Administration in the delivery of critical infrastructure across the nation.

Alh. Bukar noted that the inauguration of the road project is a milestone achievement in the effort of the present Administration in bridging the infrastructural gap in the country. He said “the completion of the reconstruction works will no doubt reduce vehicle operating cost, improve travel time, reduce road accidents and stimulate the socio-economic growth and the general security of towns and cities along the corridor.”

The Managing Director, Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc, Engr. Wolfgang Goetsch, in his vote of thanks at the occasion, stated that the road is a high priority infrastructure of national significance which form an important part of the nation’s highways. He assured that with a strong and experienced workforce coupled with adequate equipment to fast track the execution of the project, the Company will deliver on schedule.

In attendance, were the two Ministers of State I and II, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Surv. Sulieman Hassan Zarma, mnis respectively, the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by the Deputy Governor Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hajiya Balaraba Aliyu Inuwa, the Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Senator (Arc). Kabiru Gaya, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon.. Toby Okechukwu represented by Hon. (Engr) Maren were among the high profile dignitaries that graced the occasion.

His Royal Highnesses in attendance took turns to deliver goodwill massages, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi II commended the Federal Government for the project and urged the Ministry and Contractor to speed up the delivery of the project. Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr). Shehu Idris also pledged his support and that of his people to safeguard the significant infrastructure. They both appreciated President Buhari and the Ministry in the award of the project and urged the Federal Government on road maintenance.

Members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Tanker drivers who were well represented at the ground breaking occasion made an appealed to the Minister for a separate parking space.

Sade Fatoke

ACIO (Information)

For: Director, Information