(Dave Umahi. Photo Credit: The Source Magazine)
The Federal Government has pledged to complete the outstanding 164 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway by November.
Minister of Works Sen. Dave Umahi made this announcement during a courtesy visit from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership, headed by President Babatunde Akinteye, in Abuja on Monday.
Umahi revealed that the Federal Government has already invested more than N200 billion in the project, with the current phase and related components accounting for over 80 per cent of disbursed funds.
He characterised the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor as a flagship infrastructure initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The overall highway project spans 750 kilometres and carries a total cost of N752 billion, with the remaining segment comprising 164 kilometres.
The minister expressed deep concern about vandalism affecting federal highways and outlined plans to deploy solar streetlights at intervals along the route to enhance safety and visibility.
He referenced the recent inauguration of a coastal highway guard in Lagos and indicated that a similar security presence would be established for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano superhighway, following discoveries of theft and sabotage, including the removal of reinforcing rods from concrete sections.
Umahi noted that the Federal Government is pursuing numerous major road infrastructure projects nationwide, with concrete pavement being prioritised on key corridors.
The ministry has also broadened the scope of legacy projects to strengthen inter-community links and enable smoother transportation of people and commodities.
Umahi called on Nigerian youths and students to actively participate in monitoring federal initiatives and ensuring accountability from public officials.
He invited partnership with NANS and youth organisations to oversee projects, provided such oversight is conducted without harassment, intimidation, or conflicts with contractors.
He further urged young Nigerians to build expertise and pursue productive endeavours rather than depending exclusively on state support.
Addressing the 2027 electoral landscape, Umahi encouraged youths to evaluate the current administration’s performance against alternatives presented by opposing parties, urging a focus on substantive policy discussion rather than partisan loyalty.
He appealed to young people to embrace President Tinubu’s reform agenda following demonstrated developmental achievements.
NANS President Akinteye, in response, acknowledged Umahi’s role in advancing infrastructure projects and stressed the significance of improved road networks for students travelling nationwide for academics, examinations, conferences and related activities.
He announced NANS’s intention to strengthen collaboration with the ministry through project oversight and communicating outcomes to the student body and the public.
Akinteye emphasised that infrastructure underpins education, economic growth and national progress, noting that quality roads lower travel expenses and expand student access to learning institutions.
He formally recognised Umahi as the association’s patron and pledged student participation in project monitoring and national development efforts.