By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government’s drive for sustainable and high-quality road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Administration has continued to draw commendation from key stakeholders in the road sector, with strong endorsements coming from presidential aides, professional engineering bodies, contractors, host communities and road users in Kaduna State.
During a National Media Tour and Project Commissioning exercise held in the state on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, alongside members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and other stakeholders, praised the Federal Government for the quality and standard of ongoing and completed road projects.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, Hon. Yakasai assured Nigerians that the standard of work being executed on federal roads reflects a long-term vision for durability and safety. According to him, “the quality of work being executed is of such a standard that the roads will outlive us.” He commended the Federal Ministry of Works and contractors for their strict adherence to approved engineering specifications and for aligning project delivery with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
As part of the visit, the presidential aide commissioned three emergency and special intervention projects in Kaduna State, including the 4.5-kilometre Repairs of Taban Sani Road in Makarfi Local Government Area, the Sabo Rail Bridge to Command Junction Road in Chikun Local Government Area, and the Mahuta Army Post-Service Housing Scheme Roads, also in Chikun Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Kaduna State, Engr. Ulagu Loveday, welcomed stakeholders and provided background on the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway project. He explained that the award for the completion of outstanding sections followed the termination of the original contract and its reassignment to a new contractor. He disclosed that the project was subsequently rescoped from a flexible asphaltic pavement to a Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices, to ensure enhanced durability, improved safety and reduced vehicle maintenance costs.
Offering technical insight, the Senior Project Manager of Infiouest International Construction Limited, Engr. Robert Turner, explained that the construction process involves pulverising the existing pavement, reinstating the stone base, installing steel reinforcement and placing high-strength concrete, followed by a 14-day curing period before opening the road to traffic. He added that one section of the project is scheduled for completion by October 2025, while another is expected to be completed by April 2026, subject to the availability of funds.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Kaduna Branch, Engr. Muhammadu Ibrahim, alongside Engr. Arege Samson Bawa, affirmed that the projects fully comply with professional and engineering standards. They commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, for prioritising quality, professionalism and the active involvement of Nigerian engineers in project execution. They also praised the adoption of CRCP technology, noting its superiority over flexible pavements in terms of longevity and reduced maintenance costs.
Similarly, the Project Manager of Messrs Eksiogullari Construction (Nig.) Limited, Engr. Salihu Yunusa, handling the Kaduna Eastern Bypass Project, said the completion of the Rabah Road Interchange would significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance connectivity within Kaduna State and across the North West Zone.
Representatives of Messrs Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited, handling the Western Bypass, and the project financiers, the Dangote Group, led by Engr. Jonathan Obrusu, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure in support of national development. The project is being executed under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
In the same vein, the Project Manager of Mothercat (Nigeria) Ltd, Engr. Ziad Karan, overseeing the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road, Section I (Zaria–Sheme) in Kaduna and Katsina States, assured stakeholders of the company’s dedication to quality delivery, noting that road users and members of the public have consistently attested to the high standard of work being carried out.
The tour also took the team to the Mararraba–Pambeguwa Road, where the Federal Controller of Works and the Project Manager of Setraco (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Moustapha Jaber, confirmed that the project is 98 per cent completed and would soon be officially commissioned, even as it has already been opened to vehicular traffic.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Yakasai commended all stakeholders for their collaboration and reassured communities along the project corridors of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable, safe and economically impactful road infrastructure across Kaduna State, the North West Zone and the nation at large.
