Abuja-Kano Road to Be Completed in November, Says Umahi
FG to Complete Remaining 164km of Abuja-Kano Highway by November
The Federal Government says the remaining 164 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be completed by November 2026, according to Minister of Works Dave Umahi.
Umahi disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He said the Federal Government has spent more than N200 billion on the project, with the current phase and related components receiving more than 80 per cent payment.
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Federal Government targets November completion
Umahi said the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor spans 375 kilometres in each direction, giving a total road length of 750 kilometres.
According to the minister, the remaining 164 kilometres, covering 82 kilometres in each direction, forms part of the section currently being executed by the Federal Government.
He said the combined cost of the relevant projects stands at N752 billion, with more than 80 per cent of the amount already paid.
The government expects contractors to complete the entire stretch by November.
Major transport corridor links key economic centres
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway forms one of Nigeria's most important north-south transport corridors.
The route connects the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna, Zaria and Kano, supporting the movement of people, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commercial activity between major population and economic centres.
Completion of the outstanding sections could improve travel efficiency and reduce delays along a corridor that serves both passenger and freight traffic.
For businesses, improved road connectivity can reduce logistics costs and improve access to markets, suppliers and labour.
Road completion could support property development
The completion of the highway could also influence real estate activity along the corridor.
Improved connectivity can increase the attractiveness of locations that previously faced accessibility constraints, particularly areas outside established urban centres.
Residential developments, logistics facilities, warehouses, commercial properties and other forms of real estate can benefit when transport infrastructure improves access to larger markets.
However, the scale of the property-market impact will depend on complementary infrastructure, land-use planning, utilities and the ability of local authorities to manage development along the corridor.
Government introduces measures against vandalism
Umahi also raised concerns over vandalism on federal highways.
He said vandals had been removing reinforcement rods from concrete sections of roads, creating additional risks for infrastructure delivery and long-term road performance.
The Federal Government plans to install solar streetlights at intervals along the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway to improve visibility and safety.
The minister also announced plans to establish a highway guard system similar to the arrangement recently introduced along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Infrastructure monitoring receives government backing
Umahi urged Nigerian students and young people to participate in monitoring federal infrastructure projects.
He said the ministry was prepared to work with NANS and other youth organisations to monitor projects and provide feedback on their implementation.
The minister stressed that such monitoring should remain constructive and should not involve intimidation or blackmail of contractors.
Greater public monitoring could provide an additional layer of oversight as the government commits substantial funds to major transport infrastructure.
Improved connectivity could strengthen regional markets
The Abuja-Kano corridor has significance beyond transportation because it connects several major urban and commercial centres.
A completed highway could improve the movement of agricultural products from northern production areas to large consumer markets while supporting the distribution of manufactured goods from southern and central parts of the country.
For property investors, this can create opportunities around transport-oriented development, logistics hubs, industrial locations and residential communities serving expanding economic corridors.
The longer-term benefits will depend on maintaining the road after completion and ensuring that surrounding development follows appropriate planning standards.
Outlook
The Federal Government's target to complete the remaining 164 kilometres of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway by November represents a significant milestone for one of Nigeria's major transport corridors.
Beyond reducing travel and logistics constraints, completion could improve the investment potential of communities along the route by strengthening their connection to Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano.
For the housing and real estate sector, the key opportunity will be whether improved connectivity is matched by planned urban expansion, reliable utilities and supporting infrastructure. If these conditions develop alongside the highway, the corridor could see stronger residential, commercial and logistics investment.
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