FG Finally Moves to End Abuja-Kano Road Nightmare After Years of Delays

By Achimi Muktar

After years of broken promises, ballooning costs, and excruciating delays, the Federal Government is finally putting its money where its mouth is — with a staggering N777 billion injection to complete the long-abandoned Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway.

This major infrastructure project — once hailed as a game-changer for northern Nigeria’s economy — has been stuck in limbo for over six years. Now, with a fresh contractor, a tighter deadline, and firm presidential backing, the road may finally be on the fast track to completion.

Speaking during the reflagging of the project on Sunday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that 282 kilometres of the highway remain unfinished and will now be completed under a revamped funding plan.

Section two of the road, awarded to Infiouest Construction Company, carries a hefty price tag of N525 billion — with a strict 14-month deadline to deliver. It's a bold move aimed at reversing years of stalled progress.

“This administration means business,” Umahi declared. “President Bola Tinubu is committed to delivering critical infrastructure, and this road is a top priority.”

Originally awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 at a modest N156 billion with a 36-month completion target, the project quickly descended into a web of delays and cost escalations. Over time, the bill surged past N600 billion — yet less than half of the highway was completed.

Things took a dramatic turn when Julius Berger proposed a jaw-dropping new contract sum of N1.5 trillion. The FG swiftly rejected the demand and terminated the agreement, settling instead for a final payout of N740 billion before bringing in new contractors.

Sections one and three of the road — totaling 118 kilometres — have now been re-awarded at a cost of N252 billion. Encouragingly, 30% of this sum has already been released to jumpstart work, according to Umahi.

“This marks a fresh chapter,” the minister said. “The road will ease transportation, enhance security, and revive commerce in the region once completed.”

The Abuja-Kano corridor is more than just a highway — it's a lifeline. Linking the political capital with major economic hubs in the north, it serves as a critical artery for trade, travel, and national unity.

Years of neglect have turned the route into a nightmare for motorists, with endless potholes, frequent accidents, and exposure to insecurity. For many Nigerians, the road has become a symbol of broken promises — until now.

While the new commitment brings renewed hope, Nigerians are watching closely. With the clock ticking on the new 14-month deadline and billions on the line, all eyes are on the Tinubu administration to finish what was started — and finally deliver the road the North has been waiting for.