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By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that the Federal Government has 4,084 kilometres of ongoing road projects, alongside 348 kilometres of completed projects and 1,811 kilometres of partially completed roads.
Umahi disclosed this on Saturday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West Zonal Presidential Campaign at the Kaduna Township Stadium.
The minister, who is also the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, highlighted the administration’s road infrastructure investments and their potential to stimulate economic growth across the North-West region.
He said the projects were part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve road connectivity, facilitate trade, strengthen agricultural supply chains and expand access to essential services.
According to him, in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, on Sunday, improved roads would reduce transportation difficulties, lower the cost of moving goods, create employment opportunities and connect rural communities with major commercial centres.
Umahi identified sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway as key interventions aimed at improving connectivity between the Federal Capital Territory and major commercial and agricultural centres in Kaduna and Kano states.
He also highlighted road projects in Kano State, including the Northern Bypass, the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Section I, covering Kano-Shuwarin, and the Yakasai-Badume-Damargu-Marken Jalli Road.
The minister noted that the successful completion of the projects would improve the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and passengers while supporting businesses and commercial activities across the region.
He, however, stressed the importance of adequate funding, effective supervision, adherence to engineering standards and sustainable maintenance to ensure that road infrastructure investments delivered lasting benefits.
At the rally, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the 2027 general elections.
The President urged Nigerians to support the APC at all levels, declaring, “Vote APC from top to bottom, APC everywhere.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and other programmes aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima commended the administration’s development initiatives in Northern Nigeria, particularly in road infrastructure, agriculture and regional connectivity.
Shettima said improved road networks were essential for connecting farmers to markets, facilitating commercial activities and promoting inclusive economic development.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani urged Nigerians to evaluate government performance based on verifiable achievements and tangible development outcomes.
Similarly, the Director-General of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, called on political stakeholders to reject misinformation and promote constructive political engagement.
A major highlight of the rally was the presentation of APC flags to seven governors from the North-West seeking re-election. The flags were presented by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
The rally attracted governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, party leaders, youths, women’s groups and other supporters from across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the administration’s infrastructure programme was aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, improving transportation efficiency and supporting economic activities across the North-West.