By Adenike Lawal
Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has praised the speed and quality of work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway project, even as he declared a state of emergency on the deteriorating Suleja-Minna road due to contractor failure.
During his inspection visit on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Umahi lauded Infiouest International Limited for the ongoing transformation of Section I of the highway project.
He noted that the success validates the Ministry’s decision to terminate Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd’s previous contract over cost disagreements.
“This project’s progress would have been impossible without the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi stated. “Today, the quality delivered by Infiouest has redeemed both my integrity and that of the Ministry.”
Umahi, joined by the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi; PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi; and other top officials, highlighted that over 11 kilometers have been completed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), featuring a stone base of 80 inches and 200mm-thick reinforced concrete.
Sections I and II of the 118-kilometer stretch are now recording significant progress, contrasting sharply with years of stagnation under the former contractor.
Minister Goronyo praised the transparency of the project and commended Sowunmi’s visit, calling it a “rare show of patriotism” from an opposition figure.
Sowunmi, former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, described the project as “impressive” and comparable to flagship projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
Senator Nwebonyi also applauded Umahi’s commitment and hailed President Tinubu for prioritizing road infrastructure as a tool for economic development.
Meanwhile, Umahi declared an emergency on the Suleja-Minna dual carriageway over what he described as prolonged delays and substandard performance by former contractor, Salini Nigeria Ltd.
“This contract stands terminated. We are moving swiftly to restore confidence on this critical corridor,” he announced.
The minister’s declarations signal renewed urgency in implementing the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda, positioning road transport as a catalyst for national growth.
