From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, a critical road that he said is vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the President, Governor Uba Sani described the road as a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.
At the event which took place at Jere in Kagarko local government on Sunday, he noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives and hurting economic growth.
He described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched helplessly as its condition worsened over the years.
“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of our region.
“In response to the cries of our citizens and travelers enduring hardship on this dilapidated road, I visited our dear leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr. President not only gave me a listening ear, he gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without delay,” he said.
According to him, one of the reasons that the contractor gave for not completing the project apart from funding was the insecurity that was prevailing along the Kaduna-Abuja road at that time.
He noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruits, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day without fear of being attacked.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilizing the security situation along the route through effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.
