The Federal Government has commenced the construction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, a dual carriageway valued at ₦178.12 billion, to enhance infrastructure in northern Nigeria and improve connectivity, increase economic activities and mitigate security challenges encircling one of the key transport corridors in northern Nigeria.
The Minister of works, Senator David Umahi, led the groundbreaking ceremony which was conducted at Afaka in Kaduna State, attended by Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani.
The event was attended by high ranking government officials at federal and state levels, including, Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Engr. Others were Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Kaduna State ex-governor Ramalan Yero and other dignitaries.
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The Federal Government approved a sum of ₦178.12 billion for construction of the strategic highway with over N100 billion already deployed to enable the highway to be opened immediately, according to President Bola Tinubu.
It is part of the overall Kaduna-Lagos transport corridor, is expected to enhance the transportation of people and goods, and will be likely to boost trade and offer more opportunities for agriculture and economic growth to communities along the route.
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The project will be built with Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, which is being used across the nation to incorporate more durable construction techniques for a long-lasting roadway and to minimize maintenance costs.
Officials said the project is a testament to Tinubu administration’s efforts to eradicate the infrastructure deficit in the country and continue security measures in Birnin Gwari access, which was once plagued by banditry and criminal activities.
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The Government pointed out that better security situation due to co-operation between the government and Kaduna State Government has enabled the resumption of community, markets and agricultural activities thus enabling project to be realised.
Once completed, the highway will offer a massive improvement on travel time, access to rural communities and as a positive effect it will enable trade operations and create further synergy and integration in the North of Nigeria.
