The Federal Government has once again pledged to complete the uncompleted section of the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway before the end of the year, News About Nigeria reports.
This commitment follows several promises made since the contract was awarded on December 20, 2018.
In a meeting with all directors of the Ministry of Works on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reassured that the ministry is determined to overcome contractual obstacles and ensure the project’s delivery for the benefit of Nigerians by the end of 2024.
Umahi acknowledged challenges such as security issues in 2022 and the relocation of some communities on the Zaria section of the 265km road project.
He also mentioned the contractors’ request for a review of the project cost of N1.3 billion, which the government cannot afford.
The minister expressed commitment to completing the project despite these challenges and mentioned discussions with the President to secure necessary funding for the road, which is considered crucial for all Northerners.
Umahi said, “We have about 1.7 kilometres left of Abuja-Kaduna in two sections. The ministry has some supervision work to be done tomorrow on that road, and we will be advised on the real designs of the two sections.
“Funding is also an issue because it is under the presidential development fund initiative gotten from looted funds. I have had to discuss with Mr President the importance of the road for all Northerners.
“But I won’t be able to go back to him until we re-scope it because the project was N165 billion before and a review brought the cost to N655 billion, but today the contractor is asking for N1.35 trillion and the government cannot afford it.”
Umahi added, “No matter what happens, that road will be done this year.”
The reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway is being handled by Julius Berger and is funded under the Presidential Development Fund initiatives, divided into three sections.
