President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the president, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the road as a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.
At the event which took place at Jere in Kagarko local government on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Sani said the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.
Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched helplessly as its condition worsened over the years.
“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of our region,” the governor added.
Sani recalled that as a senator, he had pushed for the road’s completion, by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising a town hall meeting, and engaging directly with Tinubu.
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Governor Sani stated: “In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him.
“Mr. President not only gave me a listening ear, he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without delay.”
According to him, one of the reasons that the contractor gave for not completing the project apart from funding was the insecurity that was prevailing along the Abuja-Kaduna road at the time.
Governor Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach of tackling insecurity is bearing fruits as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day without fear of being attacked.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.
The governor also disclosed that Tinubu has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre road would be completed within 14 months with concrete-reinforced pavement.
Umahi also disclosed that the president also said the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close circuit TV surveillance.
The minister commended Sani for his efforts to ensure the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”
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