The Federal Government has confirmed that the long-delayed Abuja-Kaduna Expressway is 80 per cent complete, with 60 kilometers of redesigned concrete pavement already handed over. The remaining sections are expected to be completed by the end of April, officials said.
The Federal Ministry of Works disclosed this during an inspection tour as part of its ongoing national media tour, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fast-tracking one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors.
The project is currently being handled by Infouest Nigeria Limited and has been re-ordered following the termination of the previous contract with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
The project’s construction manager, Chukwuma Kalu, described the highway as the “heart of the nation” and stressed that its completion remains a top infrastructure priority.
“As you know, the history of this project has been very difficult. There were issues with the main contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, and the project was canceled and re-ordered to Infoest Nigeria Limited to ensure faster delivery,” Kalu said.
He explained that the government had redesigned the road from asphalt pavement to continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, quality and longevity. The expressway connects the North Central and North West regions with Abuja and serves as an important corridor between Lagos and northern Nigeria.
Giving an update on progress, Kalu said the project consists of a 40.5km dual carriageway CRCP section (81km combined lane), a 17.3km asphalt section connecting the Kano-Zaria road, and a 6.63km dual asphalt overlay in Kano State.
“Out of the total length of 81 kilometers of CRCP, 60 kilometers have been completed and 21 kilometers remain. We are confident of delivery by the end of April,” he said, adding that the construction team is working day and night to meet the deadline.
Reiterating the company’s commitment, Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager, Infoest Nigeria Limited, said: “We are committed to completing everything by the end of April. This will benefit the country economically, socially and in terms of connectivity.”
The Abuja-Kaduna Expressway is one of the busiest federal roads in Nigeria, serving commuters, transporters and interstate travelers. The redesign using rigid concrete pavement is expected to reduce maintenance frequency compared to traditional asphalt pavement.
In a related development, the 43.65-kilometre Malaba-Keffi Road Reconstruction Project, undertaken by China Harbor Engineering Construction Company, is currently 90% complete and expected to be completed by June 2026. The N73.8 billion project falls under the Infrastructure Development and Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit Scheme and includes site clearance, laying of stone foundations, asphalt binder and wear course, and reinforced concrete drainage.
Abdullahi Muhamed, the ministry’s media director, said the media tour highlights the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure across the country.
“Infrastructure development remains at the center of the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Strengthening transport is a priority area of the President’s agenda,” he said, stressing the importance of the Malaba-Keffi Expressway as the gateway from Nasarawa State and the North-Central region to the Federal Capital Territory.
Both projects signal new momentum in the government’s efforts to develop strategic road networks, improve safety and boost economic activity across the country.
