Ministry halts delayed Abuja-Kaduna road project, reinforcing Tinubu's infrastructure agenda for Nigeria's growth. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
EPICSTORIAN — The Federal Ministry of Works has, in decisive effort, terminated Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s contract for Section I of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway rehabilitation project due to what officials have described as non-performance and failure to comply with revised project terms.
Originally awarded to the construction giant in December 2017, the contract aimed to rehabilitate a critical stretch of road between Abuja and Kaduna, a route that serves as a key artery connecting Nigeria’s capital with the northern region.
However, seven years on, only portions of the project are complete, with Section I still left unfinished.
Julius Berger’s delays have reportedly been a point of serious deliberations within the Ministry.
Sources indicated that over the past 13 months, Ministry officials have engaged in numerous discussions with the company to address the delays and scope adjustments, yet the company failed to meet expectations or adhere to the revised project terms.
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the company also refused a final offer to accept a downward cost revision for the project, which had been authorized by the Federal Executive Council to address budgetary concerns.
The cancellation is a direct response to these unresolved issues.
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The Ministry had given the contractor a 14-day termination notice, citing non-compliance with updated costs and a failure to remobilize the workforce on-site, both of which contributed to the termination decision.
“The government cannot afford any further delays on this critical infrastructure project,” the ministry added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has prioritized infrastructure advancement as a key component of its Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly to improve road networks that underpin economic and social activity.
The Ministry reiterated that it remains committed to completing the project, exploring options with alternative contractors where necessary to ensure road users benefit from improved travel conditions between Abuja and Kaduna.
The contract cancellation, according to ministry, reflects a strong message from the Tinubu administration on accountability and adherence to project timelines, aiming to set a new precedent for government-backed infrastructure developments. This move, officials say, is intended to ensure that key infrastructure projects like the Abuja-Kaduna road are executed promptly, delivering tangible benefits to Nigerian citizens.
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