There was widespread jubilation in Kaduna on Thursday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially flagged off the reconstruction of the critical 700-kilometre Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway — a long-awaited intervention on one of Nigeria’s busiest and most economically significant corridors.
The groundbreaking ceremony, performed on behalf of the President by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, took place in Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area of the state. It drew a massive crowd of excited residents, traditional rulers, public officials, and stakeholders who welcomed the move as a bold step towards restoring security and economic vitality in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Uba Sani, visibly elated, described the highway as the economic lifeline of over 12 northern states. He noted that years of neglect had turned the road into a death trap, stifling commerce and endangering lives. “Today, history is being made. This project is not just about concrete and asphalt—it’s about restoring hope and reviving our region,” he declared.
He also recounted his efforts as Senator representing Kaduna Central during the Buhari administration, where he persistently lobbied for the completion of the road — mobilizing fellow lawmakers, convening stakeholders, and highlighting the road’s strategic importance. These earlier efforts, he noted, helped lay the groundwork for the renewed momentum under President Tinubu, whom he praised for finally taking decisive action.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, assured that the 700km project will be delivered within 14 months, with a modern concrete pavement, solar streetlights, and CCTV cameras for enhanced safety. He added that the Abuja–Kaduna section was awarded to Julius Berger at N155 billion, the Kano–Zaria section at N205 billion, while the new Kaduna–Zaria stretch was awarded to HiTech Construction Company at N409 billion — all fully mobilized for swift execution.
Umahi further revealed that Julius Berger would complete outstanding portions, while HiTech Construction Company would handle new sections under more performance-focused terms.
Governor Sani commended President Tinubu for prioritising Northern development and urged residents to support the project. “The era of abandoned projects is over. With Tinubu, we now have a President who listens, acts, and delivers,” he said.
With security on the highway steadily improving under the Tinubu administration, many believe the reconstruction will open a new chapter of prosperity for Northern Nigeria.
