Federal Government Revives Long-Abandoned Kano Road with N47 Billion Injection
The Federal Government has stepped in to rescue a critical but abandoned road project in the heart of Kano State. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to reconstruct the 6.7-kilometre Wuju-Wuju Jakara road network, aiming to end years of hardship for commuters and residents.
This intervention comes after the state government appealed to the federal authorities for help in completing the vital infrastructure.
From N5 Billion Stall to a N47 Billion Revival
The project's history is one of initial promise followed by prolonged neglect. The road was first awarded in 2013 during the administration of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, with an initial contract sum of N5 billion.
However, work stalled after only 850 meters were completed, leaving the project abandoned for over a decade. The incomplete work has suffered from seasonal flooding due to inadequate drainage, worsening conditions for the surrounding communities.
Now, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a whopping N47 billion for the takeover and completion of the remaining 6.7-kilometre stretch. The road traverses four local government areas within Kano metropolis: Dala, Gwale, Municipal, and Fagge.
Minister Highlights Strategic and Economic Importance
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, disclosed the details. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the takeover following the state's request, viewing it as a project of significant economic value for Kano.
"We considered this road more strategic to the economic viability of the state," Ata stated. "It is another giant stride by Mr President in Kano. The federal government is financing the project 100 per cent, while the state government is taking care of compensation."
The Minister, who was a member of the Kano State House of Assembly committee on appropriation in 2013, confirmed that contractors have already been mobilised to the site. He assured that the ministry would closely supervise the project to ensure timely completion.
Collaboration for Timely Delivery
The success of the project hinges on collaboration between federal and state authorities. While the Federal Government provides full funding for construction, the Kano State Government is responsible for paying compensation to affected property owners.
Minister Ata confirmed that compensation for 2.5 kilometres has already been settled, and he urged the state to continue promptly to avoid delays.
Echoing this sentiment, the Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in Kano, Tp. Danbaba Yahaya Haruna, pledged to deploy necessary manpower for quality supervision. He pleaded with the state government to fulfil its compensation obligations to keep the project on schedule.
"We will make sure the job is done according to the specifications in terms of structural forms, wide distance, and other details," Haruna pledged.
This project is now positioned as a key test of inter-governmental cooperation and a potential catalyst for improved mobility and economic activity in Nigeria's most populous city.
