The federal government has inaugurated the 118-kilometre first lot of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, while work on the 164-kilometre second lot “is nearing completion”, an official said.

‎The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Kano during the inauguration of a section of the expressway.

‎Mr Umahi said 148 kilometres of the second lot had been completed, leaving less than 20 kilometres outstanding.

‎”The project is being executed with reinforced concrete pavement to enhance the durability of the road and improve connectivity along the strategic transport corridor.

‎”President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to ensure completion of the outstanding sections after contractors initially handling some portions indicated their inability to continue with the reinforced concrete pavement technology.

‎‎”The federal government subsequently took steps to complete outstanding works. The first lot valued at about N252 billion had been fully completed,” he said.

‎The minister said the president had also directed the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the 375-kilometre expressway to improve visibility and enhance safety of motorists travelling at night.

‎Mr Umahi commended the Kano State governor for his contribution to infrastructure development, particularly the extension of the road towards Aminu Kano International Airport.

‎He said the federal government was also executing several road projects across the North-West to improve transportation and facilitate economic activities.

‎”The projects include Kano Northern Bypass, Kano-Kongolam Road, Kano-Katsina Road and Sokoto-Zamfara-Zaria Road.

‎”This administration is committed to completing inherited road projects alongside new ones to improve connectivity and ease movement of people and goods,” he said.

‎He further explained that the federal government had also completed several emergency road projects in the North-West as part of efforts to address critical infrastructure needs in the region.

‎The minister added that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway remained an important transport corridor for the movement of passengers and goods between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and major commercial centres in the North-West.

‎Mr Umahi expressed optimism that the completion of the outstanding sections would further improve road transportation and support economic activities along the route.

‎”The federal government has also scheduled completion of the wider expressway project for December, according to the Federal Ministry of Works,” he said.

(NAN)