By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has disbursed N8.2 billion to settle inherited debts and mobilize contractors for the completion of the Kabala–Costain road project, which had been abandoned by the previous administration due to design flaws and funding constraints.
The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, disclosed this while briefing journalists during an inspection of the project site in Kaduna. He explained that Governor Sani cleared an inherited debt of N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and released an additional N6 billion to mobilize the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) back to site.
According to Dr. Ahmed, the total N8.2 billion expenditure reflects the administration’s commitment to completing the project, which was at only 35 percent completion when Governor Sani assumed office in 2023.
“The project was inherited at 35 percent completion, not 70 percent as previously claimed. This administration has cleared all outstanding debts and ensured that construction resumed immediately,” he said.
The KADRA boss clarified that the initial project design had significant safety and engineering issues, which necessitated a redesign to enhance traffic flow and prevent flooding.
Also speaking at the site, Engr. Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, the Chief Consultant for the project, said the contract was first awarded in 2020 but was suspended in 2022 after CCECC halted work over payment delays and design defects.
“When we reviewed the design, we discovered a dangerous sharp curve immediately after the bridge that could lead to accidents. We redesigned the road with a gentler curve and an additional bridge to ensure safety and durability,” Engr. Akinloye explained.
He added that the subsoil depth in the project area is about nine meters, which caused severe waterlogging during rains. To address this, the government approved the construction of a second bridge instead of costly soil stabilization, which was both safer and more economical.
Dr. Ahmed corroborated the consultant’s statement, emphasizing that only 600 meters of the 2.7-kilometre road and one bridge had been completed by the previous administration—representing just 22 percent of the total work scope.
“It’s basic arithmetic, not mathematics. Six hundred meters out of 2.7 kilometres is 22 percent, not 70. This government is now constructing the remaining 2.1 kilometres and a second bridge,” he clarified.
He further explained that the new design widens the water channel to prevent flooding, a problem caused by the previous alignment.
“We had two choices—spend heavily on soil stabilization or extend the bridge. The latter option is safer, more effective, and cost-efficient,” he said.
Dr. Ahmed commended Governor Uba Sani for reviving the project and fulfilling payment obligations that had been neglected.
“This administration didn’t abandon inherited debts. It paid them off and pushed for speedy completion. The governor is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that benefits all residents,” he noted.
The Project Manager of CCECC Kaduna Office, Mr. Henry Zhang, confirmed that construction had resumed in full following the government’s intervention.
“With Governor Sani’s leadership, the project is progressing smoothly. We are committed to delivering a high-quality road that will ease traffic, link communities, and support Kaduna’s economic growth,” Zhang said.
The Kabala–Costain dualisation project, which connects Aliyu Makama Road and Costain Junction in Kaduna North, is expected to improve transportation, reduce flooding, and enhance connectivity between Kaduna North and Kaduna South once completed.
