The Federal Government has awarded the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to Hitech Africa Construction Company, which will utilize concrete technology to enhance the durability of the road. This development comes following the revocation of Julius Berger’s contract for the project due to delays and non-compliance with revised terms.
In a statement released Tuesday, Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Works, explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the decision to reassign the project to Hitech. The switch comes after ongoing delays on the highway, particularly on Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), which had deteriorated under heavy use and challenging weather.
Earlier in the week, Minister of Works David Umahi instructed Julius Berger to vacate the project site, citing a lack of compliance with the updated scope, cost, and terms of the contract. The initial contract, awarded in 2017 to Julius Berger PLC at N155.75 billion, was set to cover 36 months but encountered multiple delays. Although the Kaduna-Zaria section (Section II) was completed and partially handed over, the Zaria-Kano section (Section III) remains unfinished, with Section I still in poor condition.
The ministry clarified that the remaining 127 kilometers of Section I would be redesigned using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) for greater longevity. This redesign aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes critical infrastructure as a foundation for national growth. Dangote Industries Ltd., who had been awarded the contract, has subcontracted the work to Hitech Africa, the same company managing the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Ahmed stated that the government’s decision was fueled by both the slow progress on Section I and the socioeconomic impact of the project, as the highway serves as a critical artery between the Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria. The ministry noted multiple attempts to engage Julius Berger to accept a revised contract sum of N740.79 billion; however, the company’s lack of commitment led to a 14-day Notice of Termination following a previous seven-day ultimatum that expired on November 4, 2024.
Minister Umahi has publicly expressed a preference for using concrete technology for the project, citing its longevity as demonstrated in other major infrastructure projects, such as the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, which is designed to last between 50 and 100 years.
The statement added that President Tinubu is “concerned about the delays in completing this critical road” and eager to see work resume without further setbacks. The government remains committed to using concrete pavement for durability and a lasting solution to improve transportation and support economic growth in the region.
