60km Delivered: Abuja-Kaduna Highway Hits 80% Completion

The Federal Government has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna highway project is now 80 per cent complete, with 60 kilometres of the redesigned concrete pavement successfully delivered. According to officials, the remaining section is expected to be finished by the end of April.

The update was provided during an inspection tour organised as part of the ongoing National Media Tour, where the Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to accelerating work on one of Nigeria’s most critical transport corridors.

The highway project, now being executed by Infouest Nigeria Limited, was re-awarded after the termination of the previous contract with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

Chukwuma Kalu, Controller of Works overseeing the project, described the route as “the heartbeat of the nation,” and stressed that its timely completion remains a top infrastructure priority.

“As you know, the history of this project has been quite challenging. There were issues with the former contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and the project was terminated and re-awarded to Infouest Nigeria Limited to ensure faster delivery,” Kalu said.

He explained that the government opted to redesign the road from asphalt to Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to enhance durability and long-term performance. The highway serves as a vital link between the North-Central and North-West regions and Abuja, while also connecting Lagos to northern Nigeria.

Providing a detailed progress report, Kalu noted that the project comprises a 40.5-kilometre dual carriageway CRCP section (totalling 81 kilometres across both lanes), a 17.3-kilometre asphalt stretch linking the Kano-Zaria road, and a 6.63-kilometre dual asphalt overlay in Kano State.

“Out of the 81 kilometres of CRCP, 60 kilometres are complete, with 21 kilometres remaining. We are confident of delivering before the end of April,” he said, adding that construction teams are currently working round-the-clock to meet the deadline.

Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager at Infouest Nigeria Limited, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to completing the project on schedule. “We give our full commitment to finishing everything by the end of April. It will serve the country economically, socially, and in terms of connectivity,” he said.

The Abuja-Kaduna highway is among Nigeria’s busiest federal roads, used daily by commuters, freight operators, and interstate travellers. The shift to rigid concrete pavement is expected to reduce the frequency of maintenance compared to conventional asphalt surfaces.

In a related development, the reconstruction of the 43.65-kilometre Maraba-Keffi Road handled by China Harbour Engineering Construction Company is now 90 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by June 2026. The N73.8 billion project is being funded under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit scheme and includes site clearance, stone base laying, asphaltic binder and wearing courses, and reinforced concrete drainage.

Abdullahi Muhammed, Director of Press at the ministry, noted that the media tour underscores the government’s commitment to upgrading transport infrastructure nationwide.

“Infrastructure development remains central to the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Enhancement of transportation is a priority area under his agenda,” he said, describing the Maraba-Keffi Expressway as a key gateway into the Federal Capital Territory from Nasarawa State and the North-Central region.

Together, the two projects reflect renewed momentum in the government’s push to improve strategic road networks, enhance safety, and stimulate economic activity across the country.