The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to replicate the quality of road infrastructure obtainable in Western countries across the country.
Umahi, who spoke on Saturday during an inspection of the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway reconstruction project, said the president has not only shown passion for the timely completion of the road but has also committed huge resources to ensure its delivery as a legacy project.
“The President has directed that we replicate what we have in the West around here with all the accompanying facilities, and we will do his bidding,” Umahi declared.
He emphasised that site inspections and close supervision are key to achieving this directive, adding that the ministry has now dedicated Saturdays for field visits.
“We cannot stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Sharing ideas and ensuring strict supervision are critical to the success of this project,” he said.
The minister revealed that Section 1 and Section 3 of the project, covering 118 kilometres, are valued at ₦252bn, out of which ₦60bn (30 per cent) has already been paid.
According to him, Section 2, covering 72 kilometres (dual carriage), is being constructed with reinforced concrete and flexible asphalt pavement for ₦507bn, with ₦150bn already paid.
“When combined, the entire project up to Kano costs about ₦761bn. This is highly courageous, and I commend Mr President for his interest in building this road as a priority project,” Umahi added.
He assured Nigerians that the new concrete roads under construction will last for over a hundred years, unlike the previous road, which deteriorated within a decade.
“We are not just constructing roads; we are building lasting infrastructure for generations to come,” he said.
While commending contractors for the progress recorded so far, Umahi warned them against shoddy work, stressing that his integrity is tied to the timely completion of the project within 14 months.
Umahi also said the president had instructed that no Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)-funded road project should be abandoned, insisting that the ministry would now prioritise milestones over certificates of completion.
On his part, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, lauded the contractors for the quality of work but urged them to intensify efforts to recover time lost during the rainy season.
He noted that durable roads and bridges remain vital enablers of economic growth, as they provide the foundation upon which other sectors thrive.
