The Federal Government has announced that the ₦252.89 billion contract for the rehabilitation of Section I of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, now awarded to Messrs Infouest Nigeria Limited, will be completed within 12–14 months.
The decision follows the termination of the initial contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (JBN) due to delays, cost overruns, and unmet obligations.
Termination of Julius Berger’s Contract
Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed on Thursday during an inspection of the expressway that Julius Berger's contract was officially terminated on November 21, 2024, after a thorough review and adherence to due process.
Umahi explained that the project, inherited from the previous administration, covers a 375km dual-carriageway divided into three sections:
- Section I: Abuja to Kaduna (165km)
- Section II: Kaduna to Zaria (73.4km)
- Section III: Zaria to Kano (137km)
Originally awarded to four contractors, the project was consolidated under Julius Berger in 2017, with a completion target of May 2021. The contract sum, initially set at ₦155 billion, was revised to ₦797 billion in 2021. By August 2023, only 68% of the work (510km) had been completed at a cost of ₦391 billion.
Umahi disclosed that before the contract termination, Julius Berger requested an additional ₦1.5 trillion to complete the project, a figure deemed excessive by the Ministry of Works. Following prolonged and unsuccessful negotiations, the Ministry issued a 14-day termination notice in September 2023.
New Contractor and Timeline
The Minister assured Nigerians that the project, now funded by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, will meet the 14-month completion deadline. "We are committed to delivering this project without further delays," Umahi said.
Federal Government’s Commitment
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the government’s dedication to completing the expressway.
He stated, “The federal government, under Mr. President, is determined to see this project through. While we regret the past challenges, we are confident that the new arrangements will ensure timely completion.”
The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation, boosting economic activities, and enhancing safety for travelers in the region.