Federal Government Approves N366 Million for Urgent Repairs on Abuja-Kaduna Highway

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the approval of N366 million for repairs on deteriorating sections of the Abuja-Kaduna highway. The road, which has been under rehabilitation since Julius Berger construction company was awarded the contract six years ago, continues to present serious challenges for motorists due to potholes and damaged sections, causing accidents and delays.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry confirmed that the temporary repair work will focus on Section 1 of the highway, covering the stretch from Zuba to Tafa Local Government Area in Niger State. The contractor has been given a two-week deadline to complete the project.

The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, began work on the site on October 2, 2024. The specific section to be addressed runs from kilometre 0 + 00 in Zuba, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to kilometre 31 + 200 at the Tafa border between Niger and Kaduna states. The scope of the project includes filling potholes and restoring the most severely damaged areas, with a total cost of N366 million.

During an inspection on October 5, 2024, the ministry's officials, including Engr. Mohammed Goni, Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, and Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, Director of Special Projects (North), emphasized that the contractor must complete the work on schedule, with no extensions to the deadline. They highlighted the importance of the project as a crucial link for economic activities between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

Engr. Goni also mentioned that once this phase is completed, further repair work from Tafa to Kaduna will be awarded, reaffirming the administration's commitment to providing essential road infrastructure.

The project supervisor from H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Emmanuel, reported that progress is underway, with work having reached Dikko Junction in Niger State. The asphalting of repaired sections is set to begin on October 7, 2024. Although the heavy traffic on the highway is slowing the pace of work, Mr. Emmanuel assured that the project would be delivered on time.