By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, alongside members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the host communities, and road users, have applauded the Federal Government for the quality of ongoing road projects.
They gave the commendations during a National Media Tour and Commissioning of Projects in Kaduna State, yesterday.
He assured Nigerians that “the quality of work being executed is of such a standard that the roads will outlive us.”
Speaking during the inspection, the Tanko praised the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractors for their strict adherence to approved engineering standards and for aligning project execution with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tanko also commissioned three (3) Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the State. These include: the Repairs of Taban Sani Road (4.5km) in Makarfi Local Government Area; Sabo Rail Bridge to Command Junction Road in Chikun Local Government Area; and Mahuta Army Post-Service Housing Scheme Roads, also in Chikun Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Kaduna State, Engr. Ulagu Loveday, welcomed stakeholders and explained that the Award for the Completion of Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway followed the termination of the original contract and its reassignment to a new contractor.
He disclosed that the project was rescoped from a flexible asphaltic pavement to a continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices, to achieve enhanced durability, improved road safety, and reduced vehicular maintenance costs.
Providing technical insights into the project, the Senior Project Manager of Infiouest International Construction Limited, Engr. Robert Turner stated that it involves the pulverisation of the existing pavement, the reinstatement of the stone base, the use of steel reinforcement, and the placement of high-strength concrete. He added that this is followed by a 14-day curing period before the road is opened to traffic. According to him, Section II is scheduled for completion by October 2025, while Section II is expected to be completed by April 2026, subject to the availability of funds.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kaduna Branch, Engr. Muhammadu Ibrahim, alongside another member, Engr. Arege Samson Bawa, affirmed that the project complies with professional and engineering standards.
They commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for prioritising quality, professionalism, and the active participation of Nigerian Engineers in the execution of projects. They also hailed the adoption of CRCP technology in the construction of major federal roads, citing reduced maintenance expenses and longevity as comparative advantages over flexible roads.
Similarly, the Project Manager of Messrs Eksiogullari Construction (Nig.) Limited, Engr. Salihu Yunusa on the Kaduna Eastern Bypass Project, noted that upon completion of the Rabah Road Interchange, traffic flow would significantly improve, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity within Kaduna State and other parts of the North West Zone.
Representatives of the Contractor handling the Western Bypass, Messrs Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited and the Financiers of the project, the Dangote Group, led by Engr. Jonathan Obrusu of Dangote, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure in support of national development. The project is being funded under the Federal Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government.
In the same vein, the Project Manager of Mothercat (Nigeria) Ltd, handling the Zaria – Funtua – Gusau – Sokoto Road, Section I (Zaria – Sheme) in Kaduna and Katsina States, Engr. Ziad Karan, assured stakeholders of the company’s dedication to quality delivery, noting that road users and members of the public have continued to attest to the high standard of work being carried out.
