The Federal Government has said the remaining 164 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be completed by November.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its President, Babatunde Akinteye, paid him a courtesy visit.
Umahi said the government had so far spent more than N200 billion on the road project, adding that more than 80 per cent of the cost of the current phase and other components had been paid.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to completing critical road infrastructure across the country, describing the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor as one of its major legacy projects.
“The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is 375 kilometres by two, 750 kilometres.
“The President funded part of this project. We have spent over N200 billion on that project.
“We are back here with the remaining 164 kilometres, 82 kilometres by two.
“Both of these projects are costing us N752 billion under the President. Over 80 per cent has been paid. We believe that by November, the entire stretch will have been completed,” he said.
The minister also expressed concern over the continued vandalism of federal highways, saying stronger measures were required to curb the practice.
He disclosed that solar streetlights would be installed at intervals along the highway to improve visibility and enhance safety for road users.
Umahi said the government would also inaugurate the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Superhighway guard, following a similar initiative launched on the Lagos coastal highway.
“I just came back from Lagos when we inaugurated the coastal highway guard. We are going to inaugurate same on this Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria, Kano Superhighway.
“This is because I saw people digging the concrete to remove rods and vandalising the construction,” he said.
The minister said the Federal Government was implementing several other major road projects nationwide, with concrete pavement being adopted on some strategic routes.
He added that the scope of some legacy projects had been expanded to strengthen connectivity between communities and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.
Umahi urged Nigerian youths and students to participate actively in monitoring federal projects and promoting accountability among public officials.
He said the ministry was willing to collaborate with NANS and other youth organisations in monitoring projects, but cautioned against blackmail, intimidation or confrontation with contractors.
“We need to be accountable. If you help us to monitor these projects, please, no blackmail, no intimidation, no altercation with contractors.
“If you do this intelligently and honestly, we are partners,” he said.
The minister also urged young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills and engage in productive activities instead of depending solely on government support.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Umahi advised young people to assess the performance of the current administration alongside the alternatives being presented by opposition politicians.
He urged Nigerians to focus on policies and issues rather than personalities and political sentiments.
“We need to debate on issues. Ask some questions and you will get good results,” he said.
Umahi further called on youths to support the reforms of President Tinubu, saying they should assess the administration based on its development initiatives rather than political sentiment.
Earlier, Akinteye commended the minister for the infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works.
The NANS president said improved road infrastructure was particularly important to students, who frequently travel across the country for academic activities, examinations, conferences and other engagements.
He said the association was interested in strengthening its partnership with the ministry by monitoring completed and ongoing projects and communicating their impact to students and the wider public.
According to him, infrastructure remains critical to education, economic activity and national development, while good roads could help reduce transport costs and improve students’ access to educational institutions.
Akinteye formally honoured Umahi as a patron of the association and expressed NANS’ readiness to collaborate with the ministry on project monitoring and broader national development initiatives.
