The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over the Kano -Maiduguri Road Section II, at Shuwarin-Azare with a spur from Duste to Kwanar Huguma in Jigawa/Bauchi states.
The project which was awarded in 2006 at a total contract sum of N35,841,452,834.88k and to be completed in 40 months was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented at the event by the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu.
President Buhari said that the commissioning and handing over of the road is an indication that the “Result of their investment in infrastructure is “manifesting.”
He also stated that, as they have entered the final phase of the Buhari administration, they are also entering the season of completion and delivery of projects adding that the process has been completed to commence the dualization of Kano-Kwanar Huguma Road. “Today, we are handing over 131.8 by 2 Kilometers, a total of 263 Kilometers Road which is Section II, Shuwarin-Azare of the Kano-Maiduguri Road with Spur from Duste -Kwanar Huguma.
“This road links Jigawa and Bauchi states together and it’s the critical component of our national road network. This road has been built to the highest quality, design and workmanship, and if it’s well used and not abused, it should last to its design life service.”
The President, however, warned against road abuse which includes over loading of vehicles and trucks which accelerate pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products that dissolves all the components and allowing water to penetrate.
Earlier in his speech, the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babangida Hussaini said in the last 18 days, the Federal Government, through the Ministry has handed over roads connecting 10 States.
According to Fashola, this is a clear affirmation of the presence of the progressive administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in every State of our great country.
“Today gives me immense pleasure to bring the good tidings of our administration, to the peoples and Governments of Jigawa and Bauchi States, who will be impacted by the Kano-Maiduguri Road Section II (Shuwarin-Azare) that our President will hand over today.
“After the handing over of the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, the Vandeikya- Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Nnewe-Oduma Road, and the Kano- Maiduguri Road Section III (Azare-Potiskum), I am happy to reiterate that this is the fifth of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact.
“Also, as previously stated, during this phase of completion Mr. President has approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities. The handing over formalities that will follow the formalities today will be in both the Works and Housing Sectors.”
The Minister further stated that the road project they handed over and many more in various parts of the country, represents a major investment in road transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.
He noted that, “They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.
“This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads.
“Indeed, the Sukuk is currently contributing to the progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.
“I want to express the gratitude of our Government to the investors in the Sukuk and thank the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.”
Also speaking, the Governor of Jigawa state, Muhammad Badnarik Abubakar and the Emir of Duste, Dr Nuhu Sanusi commended President Buhari and Fashola for making the project possible.
The Emir, however, revealed that some roundabouts close to his palace are causing serious accidents and therefore appealed that something should be done to stop that ugly incident.
Meanwhile, some of the residents and road users who spoke to Voice of Nigeria expressed their happiness over the project.
Abdulahi Idris said, “I am a resident of Shuwarin, in Jigawa state. This road will help our people to travel all over the country for their businesses without problems, especially to Maiduguri, Kano and Lagos. It wasn’t like these when it was one lane, this road dualization is good for us.”
He advised road users to make good use of the roads and should not engage in activities that will destroy the road and also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for making sure that the road is completed.
Other residents and road users who spoke to newsmen all expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister of Works and Housing over the quality of road; expressing hope that it would help in reducing the spate of accidents on the highway.
PIAK
