The Federal Government has commissioned an outstanding 30.58 kilometres of road works along the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway, marking another significant milestone in the Tinubu administration’s drive to complete critical infrastructure projects inherited from the previous administrations.
The Commissioning Ceremony, held in Kano State on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was performed by the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNICE, FIML, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
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The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, said the completed road demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure, strengthening national connectivity, and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, and other goods across the country.
Engr. Umahi explained that substantial portions of the Expressway remained unfinished when the present administration assumed office, following challenges associated with escalating costs and a slow pace of construction, which led to the termination of the previous contract. He stated that President Tinubu subsequently directed the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the completion of the outstanding sections to ensure that the critical route was delivered to the required standards of quality, safety and durability.
According to the Minister, the President also directed that the Kano section of the Expressway be extended to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). He disclosed that Lot 1 of the project, covering 118 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₦252 billion, had been completed. He also highlighted the administration’s adoption of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology on substantial portions of the road to improve durability, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure better value for public investment. He added that the completed section, along with the installation of solar-powered streetlights, improved road conditions, enhanced visibility at night, and provided motorists with safer, more comfortable travel.
Describing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway as a strategic national asset, the Minister noted that it connects the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial and population centres in Northern Nigeria. He stressed that “its importance extends beyond the North-West Zone, as it supports trade, commerce, haulage and other economic activities, and social interaction, across the country.”
The Minister also highlighted ongoing Federal road projects across the North-West, including the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Kano Northern Bypass, Kano–Katsina, Zaria–Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto, and the Dualisation of Section I of the Kano-Maiduguri Roads, among others. He commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to infrastructure development and people-oriented governance in Kano State. He also appreciated the Contractor, Consultants, Supervising Engineers, Security Agencies and other Stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the alignment.
Engr. Umahi urged Nigerians to appreciate the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, noting that efficient road networks are essential to trade, commerce, national integration and economic development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to complete all ongoing road projects across the six geopolitical zones, emphasising that quality road infrastructure remains fundamental to national development, economic growth and social integration. “President Tinubu rightly deserves our votes to continue the good works,” he advised Nigerians.
His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising the completion of the strategic project. He said the road would strengthen transportation links, support commercial activities, improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of people and goods within Kano and neighbouring States.
The Governor described the road as an important development for Kano State and the wider North-West Zone, commending the Federal Government for intervening to ensure that the outstanding road works were completed rather than abandoned.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., described the commissioning as a component of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme. He commended President Tinubu for providing the political will, leadership and policy direction required to advance the completion of inherited road projects. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Kano State Government and other stakeholders towards improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities in the State.
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As part of activities marking the occasion, the Minister also commissioned two urban road projects executed by the Kano State Government under its urban renewal programme. The projects comprised the Rehabilitation of Audu Bako Way, and the Dualisation of Nassarawa Hospital Roads.
The projects were recognised as complementary interventions aimed at improving urban mobility, easing traffic congestion and enhancing transportation within Kano metropolis and beyond.
The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, FCNA, said the commissioning reflects the administration’s recognition of infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and national integration. He commended the Honourable Minister of Works for “his leadership and engineering expertise,” while appreciating the Kano State Government, Contractors, Consultants, Supervising Engineers and Security Agencies for their cooperation and support in delivering the project.
Providing a background and technical insight to the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, and the Engineer’s Representative (E.R.), Engr. Chukwuma Kalu Igwe, explained that the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most important Federal Highways, connecting the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial, historic, administrative and political centres in Northern Nigeria.
The Highways Director stated that the commissioned works include completed asphaltic pavement at Kano’s end and an additional one along the Karfi and Kunkumi Axis, bringing the total length to 30.58 kilometres.
Engr. Yiltong explained that the completed works had improved the condition of the road, reduced travel discomfort, enhanced traffic flow, and improved access to communities and commercial centres along the corridor. He added that the improved carriageway and streetlighting infrastructure would contribute to safer journeys, better nighttime visibility, and more efficient transportation.
According to Engr. Igwe, the scope of work covers pavement construction and rehabilitation, asphalt surfacing, drainage works, improvements to road structures, installation of streetlights, CCTV Cameras and other associated infrastructure.
In separate Goodwill Messages delivered during the occasion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu for ensuring the completion of the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria-Kano Expressway. He described it as a vital link for Kano State, whose historic commercial and industrial significance makes an efficient road network indispensable. He also commended the Ministers of Works for their leadership and contributions to the delivery of the project.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, hailed the President for providing the political will to surmount longstanding infrastructure challenges across Nigeria. He described the appointment of Engineer Umahi as a strategic decision, noting that the Minister’s engineering background and doggedness had helped advance the completion of critical road projects.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, commended the Federal Government and the Kano State Government for their efforts towards infrastructure development. He observed that the engineering backgrounds of both Minister Umahi and Governor Yusuf provided a common platform for advancing infrastructure development at the Federal and State levels.
Also, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, OON, commended President Tinubu for providing the resources and political commitment required to complete major infrastructure projects initiated by previous administrations, particularly projects started under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The revered traditional ruler dismissed claims that the Tinubu administration was working against the interests of Northern Nigeria, stating that the completion of major infrastructure projects demonstrated the President’s commitment to national development and the progress of the region. He also expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing the President as a leader committed to Nigeria’s development.
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The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of critical federal road projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the objective of strengthening national connectivity, supporting economic growth, facilitating commerce, and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Among the Dignitaries that graced the well-attended memorable occasion were the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, OON, CFR, the Hon. Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, former Governors, Legislators, and representatives of the Emirs of Kano and Zazzau Emirates.