A coalition of Northern Professionals Wednesday declared support for the decision of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to re-award the revoked contract for a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to a new company.
The group described the move as a commendable step, citing the failure of Julius Berger Construction Company to meet the project’s completion timeline as a key reason for the decision.
In a statement jointly signed by the chairman, Dr. Isa Samaila Getso, and the secretary, Comrade Ibrahim Mohammad Geidam, the group expressed relief over the re-award of the contract, describing it as a significant move to address long-standing concerns about delays and possible abandonment.
The statement reads: “We were deeply concerned when the contract was terminated. But today, we want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking decisive action to ensure the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna road.”
The group acknowledged the frustration that followed the termination of the project initially handled by Julius Berger but said the recent decision had renewed hope for the completion of the road, which had become a “death trap.”
“The truth is, we were unsettled when the contract handled by a renowned contractor like Julius Berger was revoked. However, with this proactive move, we are optimistic that the road will now be completed on time and to standard,” the statement added.