Minister Babatunde Fashola said the government cannot finish the Abuja-Kaduna section of the road due to challenges like criminal activity and the relocation of communities. Sections 2 and 3 (210km) will be finished before President Buhari’s term ends in May. Section 1 (Abuja to Zaria) has been delayed due to criminal activity and right-of-way issues. Fashola and Gambari inspected the highway and discussed collaboration between the ministry, the FCT Minister, and the governors of Niger and Kaduna states to complete the first section.
He assured me that the section would be finished by the next administration, with funding from the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. Gambari expressed satisfaction and said both sections would be ready for commissioning before the end of Buhari’s tenure. The 2nd Niger Bridge, a legacy project of the President, will be commissioned before he leaves office. It was opened last Christmas to ease years of hardship for road users. The Chief of Staff (C.O.S) commended the president for his exceptional commitment to infrastructural development nationwide. The president made resources available for progress, and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is ready to fund the project, confirmed the managing director.
