The Federal Government has set a target of November 2026 to complete the remaining 164km stretch of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway, currently being constructed by Julius Berger. Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by its President, Babatunde Akinteye.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government has already spent over N200 billion on the project. The current phase and other components have received more than 80% payment, with the government expecting the entire stretch to be completed by November 2026.
Abuja-Kano Highway Funding and Progress
The entire Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor covers 375km in each direction, amounting to 750km of carriageway. The government has returned to work on the remaining 164km stretch, which represents 82km in each direction.
Under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, these ongoing works are costing N752 billion. The project, which was originally awarded to Julius Berger in 2017, had stalled before recent efforts to revive construction.
In January 2024, the Ministry of Works announced a N20 billion monthly funding commitment to Julius Berger. By March 2025, N17 billion had been released alongside an additional N33 billion allocation. This followed a September 2024 decision by the Federal Executive Council to revise the project's cost to N740.79 billion, later approving N507 billion for the second section in March 2025.
Security Measures and Vandalism Prevention
To protect the newly constructed infrastructure, the Federal Government plans to inaugurate a highway guard along the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor. This measure is in response to concerns over the vandalism of federal highways, particularly the removal of reinforcement rods from concrete sections.
Additionally, solar streetlights will be installed at intervals along the highway. This initiative aims to improve visibility and safety for motorists traveling along the major north-south transport corridor.
Makurdi-Enugu Dualisation Slated for 2028
The Federal Government is also targeting February 2028 for the completion of the ongoing dualisation of the 250km Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Highway. The timeline was disclosed by the Federal Controller of Works in Benue, Mukaila Danladi, via the Presidency's official WhatsApp Channel.
This strategic highway is being delivered in five sections. Sections 1 to 3 traverse Benue State, while Sections 4 and 5 are located in Enugu State. The project is expected to strengthen economic linkages between the North-Central and South-East regions by improving access to markets.
