Uba Sani spends ₦8.2bn to revive abandoned Kabala–Costain road project — KADRA MD

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has disbursed ₦8.2 billion to revive and complete the long-abandoned Kabala–Costain dualisation project.

Giving an update on the project, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, said the amount covered the settlement of an inherited ₦2.2 billion debt and an additional ₦6 billion released to mobilize the contractor, CCECC, back to site.

Dr. Ahmed explained that the project, which was abandoned by the previous administration due to design flaws and funding challenges, was only 35 percent complete when Governor Sani assumed office.

“The previous administration completed just one bridge and about 600 meters of road out of a total 2.7 kilometres — roughly 22 percent of the entire project,” he stated.

“This government paid the outstanding ₦2.2 billion and released 50 percent advance payment to ensure full resumption.”

The Chief Consultant of the project, Engr. Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, revealed that the contract, awarded in 2020, stalled in 2022 following engineering errors and payment issues.

He said the current administration not only cleared outstanding debts but also approved a redesign to correct safety and flooding concerns.

“The earlier design had a dangerous sharp curve after the bridge, which posed accident risks.

“We redesigned it to include a gentler curve and an additional bridge to improve safety and prevent flooding,” Akinloye explained.

He added that soil tests showed deep subsoil layers, prompting the government to approve a second bridge — a more efficient and cost-effective solution than soil stabilization.

Dr. Ahmed commended Governor Uba Sani for “taking the bull by the horns” to complete the project despite financial constraints, describing his intervention as a major step toward sustainable infrastructure development in Kaduna.

Project Manager for CCECC Kaduna Office, Mr. Henry Zhang, confirmed that the project had stalled due to unpaid certificates and poor ground conditions but resumed after receiving new funding.

“With Governor Uba Sani’s support, the project is now in full swing.

“We are committed to delivering a durable, high-quality road that will ease traffic, connect communities, and support Kaduna’s economic growth,” Zhang said.

The 2.7-kilometre Kabala–Costain dualisation project links Aliyu Makama Road to Costain Junction in Kaduna North.

Upon completion, it is expected to ease traffic congestion, prevent flooding, and enhance connectivity between Kaduna North and Kaduna South.