Northern Pulse: FG inaugurates emergency, special intervention road projects in Kaduna

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Federal Ministry of Works, has on Monday commissioned several emergency and special intervention road projects across Kaduna state, assuring speedy completion of the eastern and western bypass roads.

This, followed inspection activities aimed at assessing progress on key federal highways.

The projects inaugurated include; the 4.3 kilometers repaired Taban Sani road in Makarfi LGA, Mahuta NNPC Pipeline Road to Nigerian Army Post Service Housing in Chikun LGA and Sabo Rail Bridge road to Command Junction.

The inspection began on the Abuja–Kaduna Highway, where contractors were found fully mobilised and work progressing satisfactorily, with assessment reports already prepared.

From there, the delegation moved into the Eastern Bypass through the Kachia Interchange, covering about 34 kilometres already executed before stopping at Chikaji Bridge, identified as the corridor’s major challenge.

Speaking at the Chikaji bridge section, Yunus Salihu, Project Manager of Exciogullari Construction Company Nigeria Limited, said the bridge being constructed is about 324 metres long, with all pillars already cast.

Salihu explained that the entire Kaduna Eastern Bypass is a virgin construction, which requires rigorous engineering processes, especially in connecting the bridges to the main carriageway.

He lamented that irregular funding and security challenges had slowed down progress on the project.

He appealed to the Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to ensure the completion of the Chikaji Bridge so the Eastern Bypass can function optimally.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road project was awarded in 2002, and has since witnessed a series of challenges ranging from funding and insecurity, among others.

At commissioning of the Mahuta NNPC Pipeline Road to the Nigerian Army Post Service Housing in Chikun LGA, the Chief Resident Engineer in the State, Sadiq Maccido, explain that asphalt could not be laid on some sections due to pipeline safety restrictions, though 1.2 kilometres were completed inward.

Another road commissioned was the Sabo Rail Bridge Road to Command Junction, described as a major relief to residents after years of traffic congestion and road failure.

The delegation proceeded to the Western Bypass where about 19.57 kilometres of full carriageway have been completed, while other outstanding works continue.

Speaking on the Western Bypass project, Jonathan Obrusu, representative of Dangote Group, said the company remained committed to delivering the road in line with federal standards and timelines.

Obrusu explained that the Western Bypass is a strategic corridor designed to decongest Kaduna metropolis and improve regional traffic flow for both commercial and private users.

He said about 19.57 kilometres of full carriageway had already been completed, while other outstanding sections and auxiliary works were progressing steadily.

According to him, the project involves complex engineering processes, including drainage systems, concrete shoulders and traffic safety structures to ensure durability and long-term performance.

Obrusu said that the bypass would significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption and accident risks for motorists once fully completed.

He added that Dangote Group was working closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to maintain quality control and adhere strictly to approved specifications.

The team also visited the Pambeguwa Road, completed at 77 kilometres with guardrails and safety installations, and scheduled for commissioning within one month.

In Zaria, attention focused on the Wusasa–Turunku–Maraban Jos Road, Phase One, which has reached about 68 per cent completion, with an abandoned flyover still outstanding.

Phase Two of the project, valued at about N30 billion according to the federal controller of the federal ministry of works in Kaduna, Ulagu Loveday, has been awarded to extend the road from Pambeguwa to Jos, linking the North Central and Northern regions.

Speaking earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Kaduna, Ulagu Loveday, said inspections which also covered the Zaria–Funtua–Sokoto Road, Section One, measuring about 87 kilometres, with about 39 kilometres of binder course already completed was a sign of dedication and commitment by the FG.

He said that the contractor had also completed five bridges, about 23 kilometres of drainages, and concrete shoulders, describing the project as critical to northern connectivity and regional trade.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, Northwest Zone, Abdullahi Yakasai, said the inspection and commissioning exercise was part of the President’s directive to ensure value for money in all federal projects.

Yakasai said the administration was determined to connect communities, open up economic corridors and reduce hardship through sustained infrastructure development.

He stressed that the Eastern and Western Bypass roads would permanently address traffic congestion in Kaduna metropolis and improve movement of goods and services across the region.

According to him, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway and the Zaria–Funtua–Sokoto corridors remain lifelines linking the Northwest to the North Central, neighbouring states and international trade routes.

Yakasai assured residents that the Federal Government would continue to monitor contractors closely to ensure quality, safety and timely delivery of all ongoing projects.

He commended the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for strict supervision and thanked President Bola Tinubu for prioritising durable road construction using modern engineering standards.

Yakasai added that the visible progress on the projects showed that the administration was committed to fulfilling its promises to Nigerians, particularly in the Northwest.

NAN reports that the team, which comprised representatives of civil society organisations, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and other technical experts, conducted thorough inspections of all ongoing projects.

They verified the quality of construction, adherence to safety standards, and progress reports submitted by contractors.

The team commended the Federal Government for adopting innovative solutions such as concrete pavements and modern drainage systems, noting that the projects would provide lasting benefits for Kaduna State and the entire Northwest region.(NAN)