Abuja: The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to ending over 30 years of substandard road construction in Nigeria by implementing durable infrastructure projects across the country. During an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project, Umahi highlighted the Federal Government’s adoption of new engineering standards and technologies aimed at ensuring the longevity of Nigerian roads, with an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years without major repairs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Umahi discussed the inadequacies of road construction over the past three decades, attributing frequent repairs to outdated construction methods. He emphasized that President Tinubu is not merely constructing roads but is building them with the intent to significantly extend their lifespan. Umahi underscored the administration’s commitment to using the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway as a model for future projects, showcasing a departure from traditional methods previously employed by contractors such as Julius Berger.
Umahi criticized the construction techniques that involved removing asphalt and replacing it with laterite, which he argued compromised the strength and durability of the roads. He explained the importance of the Californian Bearing Ratio (CBR) in determining the strength of the sub-base, asserting that the introduction of fresh laterite weakened the road’s compaction and consolidation. This approach, he claimed, contributed to the failures observed in roads even while they were still under construction.
The Minister highlighted that asphalt typically has a shelf life of 25 years, after which it begins to wear off. In contrast, the new approach championed by President Tinubu aims to create roads, such as the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, that would last for 50 years. He reassured Nigerians that section 1 of this project would be completed ahead of the scheduled 12-month timeline, by February 2026.
Umahi detailed the project’s scope, noting that it stretches from four kilometers into Kogi to Katari, with section 2 set to follow. He praised the President’s commitment, evidenced by the payment of over N120 billion naira for the first contract, emphasizing the significance of this investment for the people of Nigeria, particularly those in the northern regions.
In addition to Umahi’s remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, acknowledged the dedication of officials and workers involved in the project, particularly given the Abuja-Kaduna-Road’s economic importance. Goronyo affirmed the government’s resolve to complete the project promptly, highlighting the deployment of 285 equipment along the road to ensure timely delivery.