Writing By Aminu Dalhatu ; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to massive infrastructural development as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration intensifies efforts to deliver critical road projects across the country.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Mr. Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, stated this in Gusau while leading a media inspection tour of the ongoing Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto dual carriageway project.
Tanko-Yakasai said the dualisation of the highway, which cuts across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states, would significantly stimulate economic growth in the region upon completion.
He described the road as strategically important to trade, economic development and security in the North-West.
Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai who represented the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructural projects in the region, noting that their completion would boost commercial activities, enhance security and promote social development.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to the timely completion of the project, stressing that durable materials are being used in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai also praised the contractors handling the project and urged them to strictly adhere to contractual agreements while ensuring quality and speedy delivery.
He added that President Tinubu deserves the continued support of the people of the North-West for executing legacy projects that would stand the test of time.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to rebuild and upgrade road infrastructure across the North-West region.
During the visit, the inspection team inaugurated an emergency road repair project at Gidana Dawa, as well as an access road to the Federal Secretariat in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Responding, the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Zamfara State, Mr. Kasimu Yusuf, described the inspection as a welcome development.
He disclosed that the contract for the dualisation of the 372-kilometre Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto highway was awarded in 2023 with a completion period of 48 months.
Yusuf explained that the project was divided into four sections: Section One from Zaria in Kaduna State to Sheme in Katsina State; Section Two from Sheme to Gusau in Zamfara State; Section Three from Gusau to Colony–Talata Mafara in Zamfara State; and Section Four from Talata Mafara to Sokoto State.
According to him, Section Two, spanning 86.1 kilometres, has achieved 52 per cent completion, while Section Three, measuring 93.7 kilometres, has so far recorded 14 per cent completion.
He added that the contractors are executing quality work in line with the Federal Government’s specifications and contractual agreements.
The media tour team also interacted with contractors and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works in Zamfara State.
The team comprised the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mr. Muhammed Ahmad, representatives of national media organisations, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works, Mrs. Bukola Odeyemi, and other ministry officials.
AMINU DALHATU
