FG flags off N178bn Kaduna highway reconstruction

The Federal Government on Tuesday flagged off the reconstruction of the 122.89-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, a N178.116bn project expected to restore one of Nigeria’s most strategic but long-neglected transport corridors and improve security, agricultural production and regional trade.

President Bola Tinubu, who performed the groundbreaking through the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said the road project fulfilled a campaign promise he made before the 2023 general elections and underscored his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure across the country.

The road, which begins at Mando near the Kaduna International Airport and terminates at the Niger State boundary, is expected to reconnect communities that have suffered years of insecurity and poor road infrastructure while serving as one of the shortest routes linking Northern Nigeria with Lagos and other parts of the South-West.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the project as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme, saying it would strengthen security, reduce transportation costs and unlock the economic potential of the region.

Umahi commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his commitment to reconstruct the road and praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for consistently advocating the project because of its strategic importance.

He said, “I join the Emir of Birnin Gwari and the good people of Kaduna State in praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We pray that God grants him good health and wisdom to complete his first term successfully and, by His grace, a second term as well.

“I also extend the same prayers to my brother, Governor Uba Sani, whose leadership has brought peace, unity and development to Kaduna State.

“I thank the Emir for reminding everyone that President Tinubu is a leader who keeps his promises. The commitment made in November 2022 to reconstruct the Birnin Gwari Road has today become a reality with the official flag-off of this project. The President rewards loyalty, believes in fairness and is committed to equitable development across every part of Nigeria.”

The minister said the project would revive a road corridor that had for years become synonymous with insecurity and bandit attacks but was now being repositioned as a major economic artery linking several states across the country.

According to him, “Today, we are flagging off the reconstruction of the 122.89-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road at a contract sum of N178.116bn.

“This is a strategic corridor linking Kaduna to Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos, making it one of the shortest routes between Northern Nigeria and the country’s commercial capital.

“For years, this corridor was associated with insecurity and banditry, but with improved security and the commencement of this project, it will once again become a major route for commerce, agriculture and national integration.

“The reconstruction will reduce travel time, boost economic activities, improve security and open up vast agricultural communities.”

Umahi dismissed criticisms that the Tinubu administration was concentrating only on new road projects while neglecting existing federal highways, insisting that several abandoned roads inherited by the administration were already being reconstructed simultaneously across the country.

He said, “Some critics claim that the Federal Government is only constructing new roads while neglecting existing ones. That is not true. This administration is rehabilitating and reconstructing major existing federal highways across the country, including the Sokoto-Zamfara-Funtua-Zaria Road, the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Enugu-Onitsha Road, the Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road, the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway, many of which had been abandoned for years.”

Highlighting progress on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway, the minister said the government had already completed a substantial section of the project while work continued on the remaining stretches.

He stated, “The President has demonstrated exceptional commitment to infrastructure development. The first section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, covering 118 kilometres, has been completed, while solar streetlights are being installed along the corridor.

“Work is progressing steadily on other sections, and only about 60 kilometres remain for the entire project to be completed.

“Governor Uba Sani consistently impressed upon the President and the Ministry of Works that the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road should be prioritised because of its strategic importance to Northern Nigeria. Today, that commitment has produced results.”

The minister maintained that road construction remained one of the Federal Government’s strongest tools for combating insecurity, lowering logistics costs and stimulating economic growth.

According to him, “Road infrastructure is one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity, reducing transportation costs, promoting agriculture and stimulating economic growth. Improved roads create opportunities for commerce, education and investment while enhancing the quality of life for citizens.”

Umahi also congratulated the Kaduna State Government on the approval of the proposed Kaduna Light Rail project, describing it as another milestone in the state’s transportation development.

He said, “I also congratulate Governor Uba Sani on securing the approval for the 50-kilometre Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about $868m. It is a landmark project that will further transform transportation within the state.”

The minister called on Nigerians to embrace constructive engagement with government policies rather than misinformation, saying the economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration were beginning to deliver positive outcomes.

He added, “Democracy thrives on constructive criticism, not insults or misinformation. We welcome genuine criticism that offers practical alternatives because it helps government improve.

“The President’s reforms are already yielding results, and Nigerians will continue to witness greater dividends as more infrastructure projects are completed.

“This administration is committed to transparency. Every kobo borrowed is being invested in critical infrastructure that Nigerians can see and use.

“The reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road is another testament to President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to connect communities, strengthen security, promote agriculture and accelerate national development.”

The project is described as a strategic national investment designed to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and deepen economic integration between Northern Nigeria and the South-West.