Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
By AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna –
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has so far released ₦8.2 billion for the completion of the Kabala–Costain dualisation project, according to the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr Abdullahi Baba Ahmed.
Speaking during an inspection of the project in Kaduna, Dr Ahmed said the road was abandoned by the previous administration after reaching only 35 percent completion, due to poor design and funding constraints.
He explained that Governor Sani cleared an inherited ₦2.2 billion debt owed the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), and released an additional ₦6 billion to mobilise the firm back to site.
“So far, a total of ₦8.2 billion has been disbursed for the project. Governor Uba Sani inherited it at 35 percent completion and immediately moved to correct the design flaws and resume work,” he said, assuring that the road would be ready next year.
The Chief Consultant to the project, Engr Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, said the contract was first awarded in 2020 but stalled in 2022 due to technical defects and non-payment.
“When work resumed, we discovered that the initial alignment was unsafe. It had a sharp curve right after the bridge that could cause accidents. We redesigned it to ensure smoother traffic flow and safety,” he explained.
He said the redesign also provided for a second bridge to tackle flooding and soil-stability issues. “Rather than spending heavily on soil stabilisation, the government approved another bridge, which is faster and more cost-effective,” he added.
Corroborating the consultant, Dr Ahmed said only one bridge and about 600 metres of the 2.7-kilometre road were completed before the project was abandoned, representing about 22 percent of the work scope.
“This administration revived the project in 2023, cleared the ₦2.2 billion debt, and provided a 50 percent advance payment for completion,” he said.
He described as “pure misinformation” claims that the previous government achieved 70 percent completion. “It’s simple arithmetic 600 metres out of 2.7 kilometres is 22 percent. This government is now constructing the remaining 2.1 kilometres and a second bridge,” he clarified.
The KADRA boss said new engineering solutions were adopted after investigations showed that the previous alignment narrowed the water channel, causing flooding during the rainy season.
He commended Governor Sani for prioritising quality and safety despite the financial burden inherited. “This government did not abandon the debt. It cleared it and ensured work resumed without delay,” he said.
The Project Manager for CCECC Kaduna, Mr Henry Zhang, confirmed that the project had stalled due to unpaid certificates and adverse ground conditions, adding that full-scale construction had resumed following the state government’s intervention.
“With Governor Uba Sani’s support, work is now progressing smoothly. We are determined to deliver a durable road that will ease traffic, connect communities, and boost Kaduna’s economy,” Zhang said.
The 2.7-kilometre Kabala–Costain dual carriageway links Aliyu Makama Road with Costain Junction in Kaduna North Local Government Area. When completed, it is expected to ease congestion, prevent flooding, and improve economic connectivity between Kaduna North and Kaduna South.
