The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be ready for use within 14 months.
Idris made this statement during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of Section 1 of the road, which spans from Abuja to Kaduna, on Thursday.
The project is divided into three segments for efficient construction: Section 1 covers Abuja to Kaduna, Section 2 runs from Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 extends from Zaria to Kano.
Scope of Work
The rehabilitation project includes the scarification and pulverization of the existing bituminous surface, which will serve as a sub-base material. Additionally, embankments will be filled, and approved crushed rock material, stabilized with three percent reinforcement, will be applied to the shoulders and carriageway.
Other works include the installation of reinforced concrete lined drains, hydraulic structures, median barriers, and median drains, where necessary. The project also involves constructing continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) with a thickness of 200mm for both the carriageway and shoulders.
Commitment to Timely Completion
Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s determination.
“President Bola Tinubu is very committed and determined to ensure that this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in record time of 14 months,” Idris stated.
He noted that the previous contractor, who projected a three-year completion timeline, had their contract terminated to meet the government’s insistence on a faster delivery.
“That is also why it was broken into three segments for ease of construction. Nigerians, especially those plying this road, are anxious to see that the road is completed,” he added, warning against any delays.
Additional Features and Extensions
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, provided further details about the project, including its extensions. The road will connect to Aminu Kano International Airport and include an additional five kilometers on the Abuja-Lokoja axis.
Umahi explained that Section 1 starts at Zuba Junction, passes through Zuba Interchange, and ends at Kaduna Western Bypass. The road will also feature solar-powered lighting and is designed to last between 50 and 100 years.
“The existing pavement between Abuja to Kaduna has undergone various levels of deterioration due to factors such as alligator cracks, potholes, and poor drainage,” Umahi said.
To mitigate these issues, the ministry has initiated emergency repairs on several stretches to ease the suffering of road users while the main rehabilitation progresses.
“Maintenance work is being carried out simultaneously on four different stretches to fast-track the repair process,” Umahi concluded.
The project, with its comprehensive scope and accelerated timeline, aims to significantly improve travel between Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.
