The Abuja-Kaduna portion will be delivered by the Federal Government before the year is out, as it has pledged once more.
The PUNCH claims that since the project’s contract was given on December 20, 2018, the government has repeatedly pledged to finish it.
In order to lessen the negative effects on road users, Umar El-Yakub, the former minister of state for works and housing, stated in October 2022 that work on the Kaduna-Abuja highway and the Zaria-Kano route would be finished in early 2023.
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Similarly, in April 2023, Babatunde Fashola, the previous Minister of Works and Housing, claimed that the current administration was unable to keep its word because of security issues encountered in 2022 and the evacuation of some communities on the 265km road’s Zaria section.
However, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave assurance that the ministry is prepared to overcome any contractual challenges and guarantee project delivery for Nigerians’ benefit before the end of 2024 during a meeting with all of the ministry’s directors on Thursday in Abuja.
The former governor of Ebonyi State claims that the contractors have asked for an examination of the N1.3 billion project financing price.
“We have about 1.7 kilometers remaining of Abuja-Kaduna in two sections,” Umahi stated. Tomorrow, the ministry needs to supervise some work on that road, and we will receive information about the actual layouts of the two sections.
“Funding is a concern as well, as it falls under the purportedly embezzled Presidential Development Fund initiative.” I had to bring up the road’s significance to all Northerners with Mr. President.
“However, until we rescope it, I won’t be able to speak with him again. The project was originally estimated to cost N165 billion, but after a review, the cost was reduced to N655 billion. Now, the contractor is requesting N1.35 trillion, which the government cannot afford.”
“They are making a really incorrect request. As a result, we are examining the current sub-grade to determine what can be done. We are also considering having Dangote build the first 40 kilometers of that road on concrete pavement as part of the Tax Credit Scheme, but I’m determined to finish that road this year. That road will be finished this year, come what may.
Three parts of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway rehabilitation are being handled by Julius Berger and are being funded by the Presidential Development Fund projects.