By: Jabiru Hassan.
The Federal Government has commissioned an outstanding 30.58 kilometres of road works along the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway, marking another significant milestone in the Tinubu administration’s drive to complete critical infrastructure projects inherited from the previous administrations.
The Commissioning Ceremony, held in Kano State on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was performed by the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNICE, FIML, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, said the completed road demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure, strengthening national connectivity, and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, and other goods across the country.
Engr. Umahi explained that substantial portions of the Expressway remained unfinished when the present administration assumed office, following challenges associated with escalating costs and a slow pace of construction, which led to the termination of the previous contract.
He stated that President Tinubu subsequently directed the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the completion of the outstanding sections to ensure that the critical route was delivered to the required standards of quality, safety and durability.
According to the Minister, the President also directed that the Kano section of the Expressway be extended to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). He disclosed that Lot 1 of the project, covering 118 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₦252 billion, had been completed.
He also highlighted the administration’s adoption of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology on substantial portions of the road to improve durability, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure better value for public investment.
He added that the completed section, along with the installation of solar-powered streetlights, improved road conditions, enhanced visibility at night, and provided motorists with safer, more comfortable travel.
Describing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway as a strategic national asset, the Minister noted that it connects the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial and population centres in Northern Nigeria.
He stressed that “its importance extends beyond the North-West Zone, as it supports trade, commerce, haulage and other economic activities, and social interaction, across the country.”
The Minister also highlighted ongoing Federal road projects across the North-West, including the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Kano Northern Bypass, Kano–Katsina, Zaria–Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto, and the Dualisation of Section I of the Kano-Maiduguri Roads, among others.
He commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to infrastructure development and people-oriented governance in Kano State.
He also appreciated the Contractor, Consultants, Supervising Engineers, Security Agencies and other Stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the alignment.
Engr. Umahi urged Nigerians to appreciate the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, noting that efficient road networks are essential to trade, commerce, national integration and economic development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to complete all ongoing road projects across the six geopolitical zones, emphasising that quality road infrastructure remains fundamental to national development, economic growth and social integration. “President Tinubu rightly deserves our votes to continue the good works,” he advised Nigerians.
His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising the completion of the strategic project.
He said the road would strengthen transportation links, support commercial activities, improve accessibility.
