FG has allocated N20 billion monthly to Julius Berger for 82km Abuja-Kano Road Dualization.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has committed N20 billion monthly to Julius Berger Plc for the completion of the dualization of an 82-kilometre section, totalling 164 kilometres, of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway, with a target completion timeline of 14 months.
This update was disclosed in a statement on the official website of the Ministry of Works, following a meeting on Wednesday between the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and representatives from Julius Berger.
The discussion focused on delays in several road projects awarded to the contractor nationwide, which have been attributed to various challenges.
During a site visit to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, Umahi praised the quality of work being undertaken by Julius Berger but stressed the importance of completing one carriageway (one side of the dual road) at a time before moving on to the next.
Furthermore, Umahi instructed Julius Berger to fill both carriageways with a stone base and level them within three weeks to alleviate the difficulties faced by road users during construction. He emphasized that this step is crucial to reducing discomfort and enhancing the travel experience as the project advances.
“On the section of Abuja Kaduna- Zaria-Kano road agreed to be handled by Julius Berger Plc, he commended the quality of work being done but directed the contractor to stick to one carriageway at a time within the scope and conclude their works.
“The contractor was further directed to, within three weeks, fill the two carriageways with stone base and level it to alleviate the sufferings of road users,” Umahi was quoted saying.
He further said, “We agreed that this project, within their own corridor, will last for 14 months.
“Project execution should be deployed in four sections, and we’ll be paying Berger ₦20 billion every month to get the job completed.”
The statement emphasized that this effort is part of the federal government’s commitment to thoroughly evaluate ongoing federal road projects, ensuring contractors meet performance standards and adhere to completion timelines.