The Kaduna State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to construct a 48-kilometre ring road in Kaduna Western bypass.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai said after the signing of the agreement on Thursday in Kaduna that the project would cost N160 billion and completed in two years.

El-Rufai said that the project would be funded through the Federal Government Income Tax Credit Programme, adding that the state was discussing with relevant federal agencies to conclude the financing.

“This project is very important to us, the future of Kaduna State and indeed for Nigeria.

“The project is a massive virgin road project that starts from the flyover at Kakau on the Kaduna-Abuja express road, crosses the International Airport road, bypasses Rigasa and jolt out at Rigachikun,” El-Rufai said.

The governor said the road would enable the government to expand Kaduna metropolis from western axis.

“Already the area is being planned as part of revised Kaduna master plan,” he said.

The governor said the project which included pedestal bridges, trailer packs and tolling packs would divert heavy traffic from the city.

In a remark, the Managing Director, Kaduna State Roads Agency, Mrs. Habiba Bashir, who signed the agreement on behalf of the state government said the project was awarded to the company on December 20, 2022.

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, commended the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and praised El-Rufai for his contributions to both nations.

“Today is a good opportunity to express my gratitude to you and also thank you for the confidence placed on CCECC. I want to commend them and their achievement in Nigeria for 42 years,” the envoy said.

In his remarks, the CCECC President, Chen Sicheng, described the western bypass as historical, adding that it would attract more investors to the state.

The Star