…as Daura Emir Dismisses Claims Of Tinubu’s Anti-North Agenda
By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s commitment to completing inherited infrastructure projects and delivering critical road networks across the country.
Umahi made the call on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during the commissioning of a 30.58-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway in Kano State.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the minister said the completed road demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to strategic infrastructure development, improved national connectivity and economic growth.
He maintained that the administration was determined to complete outstanding road projects inherited from previous governments, noting that the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway remained a critical transportation corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory to major commercial centres in Northern Nigeria.
Umahi explained that substantial portions of the expressway were unfinished when the present administration assumed office, following challenges associated with escalating construction costs and slow project execution, which led to the termination of the previous contract.
He said Tinubu subsequently directed the Ministry of Works to prioritise the completion of the outstanding sections to ensure that the road met the required standards of quality, safety and durability.
The minister disclosed that Lot 1 of the project, covering 118 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₦252 billion, had been completed. He added that the President also directed the extension of the Kano section of the expressway to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Highlighting the technical features of the project, Umahi said the administration had adopted continuously reinforced concrete pavement technology on substantial portions of the road to improve durability, reduce maintenance costs and ensure better value for public investment.
He added that the installation of solar-powered streetlights would improve nighttime visibility and enhance motorists’ safety.
Describing the expressway as a strategic national asset, the minister said its importance extended beyond the North-West, as it facilitated trade, commerce, haulage, the movement of agricultural produce and other economic activities across the country.
Umahi also highlighted ongoing federal road projects in the North-West, including the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Kano Northern Bypass, Kano–Katsina Road, Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road and the dualisation of Section I of the Kano–Maiduguri Road.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to complete ongoing road projects across the six geopolitical zones, stressing that quality infrastructure remained fundamental to economic development and national integration.
“President Tinubu rightly deserves our votes to continue the good works,” the minister said.
The commissioning ceremony was performed by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on behalf of the President.
In his remarks, Yusuf commended Tinubu for prioritising the completion of the expressway, saying the project would strengthen transportation links, improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of people and goods within Kano and neighbouring states.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, also commended the President for providing the political will and policy direction required to advance inherited road projects.
The ceremony featured the commissioning of two additional urban road projects executed by the Kano State Government under its urban renewal programme: the rehabilitation of Audu Bako Way and the dualisation of Nassarawa Hospital Roads.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh; the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk.
The Federal Ministry of Works said it remained committed to delivering critical federal road projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
