President Bola Tinubu has established a 14-month deadline for the completion of the Abuja-Kano Expressway, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to the swift delivery of this critical infrastructure project.
This development was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an inspection visit to the project site located in Tafa, Niger State, which took place on Thursday. Following the visit, a statement was issued by the Minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Friday, providing further details about the project’s timeline and the government’s efforts to ensure its swift completion.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, accompanied by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and key members of the National Assembly, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s insistence on timely delivery has led to the revocation of certain sections of the contract previously handled by Julius Berger PLC. As a result, the reassigned segments are now being executed by a new contractor, with the aim of expediting progress on the Abuja-Kano Expressway project.
“Mr President is determined to see the completion of this project within the revised timeline. We will not allow any contractor to hold us to ransom. The target of 14 months is achievable, and we believe it will be completed on time,” Idris stated, urging stakeholders to prioritise the project’s completion as a matter of national importance.
He also mentioned the President’s rejection of a proposed three-year timeline by Julius Berger, which included a cost escalation from N797 billion to N1.5 trillion.
“President Tinubu has insisted that the Abuja-Kano Expressway project must be completed, citing that a further three-year wait is unacceptable. The Minister of Works has set a 14-month completion target, which is deemed achievable with the collective enthusiasm and determination. The President urges those politicizing the project to set aside their differences, as the road is vital for linking the Federal Capital Territory to Kano and other states, and he is resolute that its completion will not be hindered,” he added.
The project has been divided into three sections to improve efficiency. Minister Umahi stated the inclusion of additional features such as a 10.6-kilometre extension to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, a 5-kilometre addition towards Kogi State, and solar lighting along the entire stretch to prepare the road for an operation and maintenance concession.
“The Bureau of Public Procurement has issued a ‘No Objection’ for a contract sum of N252.89 billion, which is expected to be approved by the Federal Executive Council soon. The project scope has been expanded to include a 10.6-kilometre extension to the Kano axis, connecting to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, an additional 5 kilometres towards Kogi, and full solar light installations to facilitate operation and maintenance concessions,” Umahi disclosed.