Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway to Boost Trade, Connectivity in Northern Nigeria — Umahi

By Ladan Nasidi

The Federal Government says the ongoing reconstruction of the 375-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway will improve transportation, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, and stimulate economic activities across Northern Nigeria.

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, stated this during the flag-off ceremony for the project in Tamburawa, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

Umahi said the project forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to upgrade critical road infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth.

He disclosed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had completed nearly 400 kilometres of inherited and newly initiated road projects across the North-West within three years. He added that more than 149 emergency road projects had also been completed in the region.

Providing an update on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, the minister said 81 kilometres of reinforced concrete pavement between Abuja and Jere in Kaduna State had been completed.

He added that work on Section Two of the highway, covering 164 kilometres, had reached 148 kilometres, leaving less than 20 kilometres to be completed, according to his remarks.

The minister further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the entire 375-kilometre highway to improve visibility and enhance road safety, particularly at night.

FG Highlights Other Major Road Projects

Umahi also listed other major road projects being undertaken by the Federal Government in the region, including the 350-kilometre Sokoto-Zamfara-Zaria road, the 132-kilometre Kano-Kongolam road and the 159-kilometre Zaria-Hunkuyi road.

He also mentioned the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry highway, describing the various projects as part of broader efforts to improve road transportation and connectivity across the country.

According to him, the Federal Government is also executing the Kano Northern Bypass and several internal road projects to ease movement within Kano State and improve connections with neighbouring communities.

The minister urged Nigerians to support the government’s economic reforms, expressing optimism that the measures were beginning to deliver benefits.

Kano Governor Seeks More Federal Road Projects

In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway project.

The governor stressed the importance of improved road infrastructure to the movement of people and goods, noting its role in supporting economic activities and enhancing transportation.

He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to intensify the reconstruction and rehabilitation of federal roads across Kano State to improve service delivery and address the transportation needs of residents.

The event also featured remarks by chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on works, alongside other stakeholders in the road infrastructure sector.