The federal government on Wednesday reviewed the rehabilitation project of the Abuja -Kaduna -Zaria -Kano Highway, by approving N797.2 billion for the highway’s total reconstruction and expansion.
The government about three years ago awarded the rehabilitation do the road at N155 billion only to realize that the nearly 370 kilometer stretch highway has fallen due to decades-long neglect by successive administration.
The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved an additional N642.2 billion for the project earlier awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola told journalists after the FEC meeting that “I presented a memorandum and one report with respect to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway to change the scope of works form rehabilitation previously awarded to full reconstruction of two lanes on both sides.
“The Council considered and approved the request for that change of scope and the incidental cost consequence changing the existing contract from N155 billion to N797.236 billion.
“The new scope provides for full reconstruction of the main carriageway, trailer parks, weigh bridges, toll stations and additional side lanes in the built-up areas across the FCT, Niger, Kaduna and Kano States, which are all served by the road.
“This was approved by Council for the same contractor,” the minister said.
