By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has commissioned a 30.58-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, reaffirming its commitment to completing inherited road projects across the country.
The project was commissioned in Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the completed section demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, strengthening national connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, on Friday, Umahi explained that the project had faced challenges, including rising construction costs and slow progress, before the present administration prioritised the completion of the outstanding sections.
He disclosed that Lot 1 of the project, covering 118 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₦252 billion, had been completed, adding that the President had directed the extension of the Kano section to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to the minister, continuously reinforced concrete pavement technology was adopted on substantial portions of the expressway to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.
He added that the installation of solar-powered streetlights had improved nighttime visibility and enhanced motorists’ safety.
Umahi described the expressway as a strategic national highway connecting the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial centres in Northern Nigeria, noting that it supports trade, haulage and other economic activities.
He also listed other ongoing federal road projects in the North-West to include the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Kano Northern Bypass, Kano–Katsina Road, Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road and Section I of the Kano–Maiduguri Road dualisation.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing ongoing road projects across the six geopolitical zones, stressing that quality infrastructure remained essential to economic growth and national integration.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf commended President Tinubu for prioritising the completion of the expressway, saying it would improve transportation links, facilitate commercial activities and enhance accessibility within Kano and neighbouring states.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the commissioning as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme and commended the President for providing the leadership needed to advance inherited projects.
The Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, said the commissioned works covered completed asphalt pavement sections at the Kano end of the expressway and along the Karfi–Kunkumi axis, bringing the total length to 30.58 kilometres.
The project also included pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements, road structure upgrades, streetlights, CCTV cameras and other supporting infrastructure.
As part of the event, Umahi commissioned two urban road projects executed by the Kano State Government under its urban renewal programme: the rehabilitation of Audu Bako Way and the dualisation of Nassarawa Hospital roads.
The Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and the House Committee on Works Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi, also commended the Federal Government for completing the outstanding sections of the expressway.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, similarly praised the administration for completing major infrastructure projects initiated by previous governments, including those begun under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to delivering critical road infrastructure in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.