The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, which was initially promised by President Muhammadu Buhari to be completed in 2019, has recently resumed construction.
The project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on December 20, 2017, and commenced on May 21, 2018.
The project has faced several delays. By mid-2023, it was reported that the project had seen considerable progress, with over 100 km completed under various sections, yet it remained far from finished.
The project has faced challenges such as funding issues, logistical hurdles, and the need for extensive rehabilitation rather than mere repairs.
However, the road was originally awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on December 20, 2017, and commenced on May 21, 2018, with a 36-month completion period.
The initial budget for the rehabilitation was ₦155 billion. However, in March 2021, the scope of the work was changed from rehabilitation to full reconstruction, leading to a revised project cost of ₦797.2 billion, an increase of ₦642.2 billion.
The project involves the reconstruction of a 375-kilometre dual carriageway, with work progressing simultaneously across various sections.
The former President in a broadcast in a video said the project was expected to be completed by 2019. However, the road project has seen several delays and budget revisions over the years.
The Presidential candidate during Nigeria’s previous elections Omoyele Sowore, in 2020 shared a clip on his X account when Buhari said that the road project was expected to be completed by 2019.
Recent updates indicate that work on the road has resumed this week, with progress reported in different sections of the expressway.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering a quality project that will stand the test of time, despite the delays and increased costs. The project is crucial for improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the region, significantly impacting economic activities and easing movement for residents and businesses.
