The Federal Ministry of Works has begun emergency repairs on deteriorating sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway, a major route connecting northern and southern regions.
According to a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Sunday, the repair will improve the conditions for road users.
Ahmed stated that the contractor for the project, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024, and has been tasked with completing repairs in Section I of the expressway.
He said section I, which spans from kilometre 0 + 00 at Zuba (FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 near the Tafa border between Niger and Kaduna States, is expected to be completed within two weeks.
“The scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway. The approved contract sum is N366m (Three Hundred and Sixty-Six Million Naira),” Ahmed noted.
Ahmed stated that during an inspection tour of the project, Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, alongside Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, noted that the contractor must strictly adhere to the timeline, with no extensions being granted.
Goni, while highlighting the importance of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, described it as a vital economic lifeline that supports trade between Northern and Southern regions.
Goni reassured the public that once the section is completed, repairs would be extended to the remaining portions from Tafa to Kaduna, in line with the government’s commitment to improving key road infrastructure.
The Project Supervisor for H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Emmanuel, reported work progress, noting that the failed sections stretching to Dikko Junction in Niger State are currently being shaped and prepared for asphalting, which will begin on Monday.
Emmanuel, who raised concerns about heavy traffic slowing down work, expressed confidence that the repairs would be finished on time.
The Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Yakubu Usman, was also present during the inspection and vowed to conduct daily oversight throughout the project’s duration to ensure its timely completion.