President Bola Tinubu has set a 14-month deadline for the completion of the Abuja-Kano Expressway, demonstrating his commitment to delivering the critical infrastructure project swiftly.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site in Tafa, Niger State.
The project has been segmented into three sections to enhance efficiency, with 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.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, said the features will prepare the road for an operation and maintenance concession.
“We have added a 10.6-kilometre extension to the Kano axis to connect the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, another 5 kilometres towards Kogi, and full solar light installations
to ensure the road is prepared for operation and maintenance concessions,” Umahi said.
Persecondnews reports that the contract was initially awarded to Julius Berger PLC in 2017, but due to slow progress and disagreements over contract terms, the project was
re-assigned to Hitech Africa Construction Company which will use concrete technology to complete the remaining sections.
Tinubu rejected a proposed three-year timeline by Julius Berger, which included a cost escalation from N797 billion to N1.5 trillion.
Instead, the government has set a 14-month target for completion with a total contract sum of N252.89 billion.
“The President has insisted that this work must be completed. We cannot afford to wait for another three years for this road,” Idris said, urging stakeholders to prioritize the project’s completion
as a matter of national importance.
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