Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has commissioned 30.58 kilometres of completed road works along the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, reaffirming its commitment to completing inherited infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Kano State on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was performed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on behalf of President Tinubu.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the completed section demonstrated the administration’s determination to deliver critical infrastructure, improve national connectivity and facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods across the country.
Umahi explained that substantial portions of the expressway remained unfinished when the present administration assumed office, following escalating construction costs and delays that eventually led to the termination of the previous contract.
According to him, President Tinubu subsequently directed the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the completion of the outstanding sections to ensure that the strategic highway was delivered in line with required standards of quality, safety and durability.
The minister disclosed that the President also directed the extension of the Kano section of the expressway to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, adding that Lot 1 of the project, covering 118 kilometres at an estimated cost of N252 billion, had been completed.
He highlighted the administration’s adoption of continuously reinforced concrete pavement technology on substantial portions of the road, noting that the innovation was aimed at improving durability, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring better value for public investment.
Umahi said the completed section, alongside the installation of solar-powered streetlights, had improved road conditions, enhanced nighttime visibility and provided motorists with safer and more comfortable journeys.
Describing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway as a strategic national asset, the minister said the road connects the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial and population centres in Northern Nigeria.
He stressed that the importance of the highway extended beyond the North-West, as it supports trade, commerce, haulage, 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 road, Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto road and the dualisation of Section I of the Kano–Maiduguri road.
He commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to infrastructure development and people-oriented governance in Kano State.
Umahi also appreciated the contractor, consultants, supervising engineers, security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the commissioned section.
Urging Nigerians to appreciate the importance of sustained infrastructure investment, the minister said efficient road networks remained essential to trade, commerce, national integration and economic development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to complete ongoing road projects across the six geopolitical zones, maintaining that quality road infrastructure was fundamental to national development, economic growth and social integration.
The minister urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s administration, saying, “President Tinubu rightly deserves our votes to continue the good works.”
Governor Yusuf, in his remarks, 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 and facilitate the movement of people and goods within Kano and neighbouring states.
The governor described the expressway as an important development for Kano State and the wider North-West, commending the Federal Government for intervening to ensure that the outstanding road works were completed rather than abandoned.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the commissioning as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme.
Goronyo commended President Tinubu for providing the political will, leadership and policy direction required to advance the completion of inherited road projects.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Kano State Government and other stakeholders towards improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities in the state.
As part of activities marking the occasion, Umahi also commissioned two urban road projects executed by the Kano State Government under its urban renewal programme.
The projects comprised the rehabilitation of Audu Bako Way and the dualisation of Nassarawa Hospital Roads.
The interventions were described as complementary infrastructure projects designed to improve urban mobility, ease traffic congestion and enhance transportation within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, FCNA, said the commissioning reflected the administration’s recognition of infrastructure as a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and national integration.
Ahmed commended Umahi for his leadership and engineering expertise, while appreciating the Kano State Government, contractors, consultants, supervising engineers and security agencies for their cooperation and support in delivering the project.
Providing technical details of the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, and the Engineer’s Representative, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu Igwe, described the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway as one of Nigeria’s most important federal highways.
They explained that the road connects the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial, historical, administrative and political centres in Northern Nigeria.
Yiltong disclosed that the commissioned works included completed asphaltic pavement at the Kano end of the expressway and an additional section along the Karfi and Kunkumi axis, bringing the total completed length to 30.58 kilometres.
He said the completed works had improved road conditions, reduced travel discomfort, enhanced traffic flow and improved access to communities and commercial centres along the corridor.
According to him, the improved carriageway and streetlighting infrastructure would contribute to safer journeys, better nighttime visibility and more efficient transportation.
Igwe explained that the scope of work covered pavement construction and rehabilitation, asphalt surfacing, drainage works, improvements to road structures, installation of streetlights, CCTV cameras and other associated infrastructure.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu for ensuring the completion of the outstanding sections of the expressway.
He described the road as a vital link for Kano State, whose historical commercial and industrial significance makes an efficient road network indispensable.
Onyesoh also commended the ministers of works for their leadership and contributions to the delivery of the project.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the President for providing the political will to address longstanding infrastructure challenges across the country.
Alabi described Umahi’s appointment as a strategic decision, noting that the minister’s engineering background and determination had helped advance the completion of critical road projects.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-West Zone, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, also commended the Federal and Kano State governments for their infrastructure development efforts.
He observed that the engineering backgrounds of Umahi and Governor Yusuf provided a common platform for advancing infrastructure development at both federal and state levels.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, OON, also commended President Tinubu for providing the resources and political commitment required to complete major infrastructure projects initiated by previous administrations, particularly those commenced under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The traditional ruler dismissed claims that the Tinubu administration was working against the interests of Northern Nigeria, arguing that the completion of major infrastructure projects demonstrated the President’s commitment to national development and the progress of the region.
He also expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing him as a leader committed to Nigeria’s development.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of critical federal road projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
The ministry said the projects were aimed at strengthening national connectivity, supporting economic growth, facilitating commerce and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, OON, CFR; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; former governors; legislators; and representatives of the Emirs of Kano and Zazzau Emirates.
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