FG issues ultimatum to Julius Berger on Abuja-Kaduna road

The Federal Government has issued a stern ultimatum to construction giant Julius Berger, demanding the completion of the long-delayed Abuja-Kaduna road project. This comes after years of frustrating delays that have caused significant hardship for commuters and raised concerns about the company’s capacity to deliver within the agreed timeline.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in a recent statement, announced that the government is no longer willing to accept further excuses from Julius Berger and has set a final deadline for the completion of the critical infrastructure project. The Abuja-Kaduna road is one of Nigeria’s most important highways, serving as a major transport link between the northern and central regions of the country.

Persistent Delays and Security Concerns

Originally awarded in 2018, the Abuja-Kaduna road project has faced numerous delays, much to the frustration of road users. Commuters have long complained about the dangerous state of the road, which has become notorious for traffic jams, accidents, and security issues such as kidnappings and banditry. The delays in completion have only exacerbated these challenges, making the road a focal point of public concern.

Umahi, during an inspection of the ongoing works, highlighted the importance of the road in ensuring smooth transportation between Abuja and Kaduna. “This project is critical to the nation’s transport infrastructure, and we cannot afford further delays. Julius Berger must meet the new deadline or face serious consequences,” the Minister said.

In response to the growing insecurity on the route, the Minister also stressed that the timely completion of the road would help improve security conditions. “The dilapidated state of the road has contributed to security challenges, as criminals take advantage of the slow-moving traffic to carry out kidnappings and attacks. We believe that once the road is completed, it will reduce these incidents significantly,” Umahi added.

### Julius Berger’s Commitments

Julius Berger, a major player in Nigeria’s construction industry, has come under increasing pressure due to the slow progress on the Abuja-Kaduna road project. In its defense, the company has cited various challenges, including funding issues, weather conditions, and security concerns along the route. However, these explanations have done little to pacify the government, which insists that the delays are unacceptable given the importance of the project.

In response to the ultimatum, Julius Berger has pledged to accelerate its efforts to meet the new deadline. The company’s spokesperson stated that additional resources, including manpower and machinery, would be deployed to the site in a bid to expedite construction. “We are fully committed to delivering this project within the revised timeline. Our team is working around the clock to ensure that all sections of the road are completed and handed over to the government as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.

### Impact on Road Users and Businesses

The ongoing delays have had a ripple effect on road users and businesses that rely on the Abuja-Kaduna route. Traders, transporters, and commuters who use the road regularly have been severely impacted by the poor state of the road, which has led to increased travel times, higher fuel costs, and safety concerns. Many have been forced to take alternative routes, further increasing the burden on other highways.

Business owners have also expressed frustration, as the poor condition of the road has affected the movement of goods between Abuja and Kaduna. The road serves as a major link for logistics companies, manufacturers, and farmers transporting produce to markets in the two cities. The delays have led to increased transportation costs and, in some cases, loss of goods due to accidents or theft.

“We have been waiting for years for the road to be completed, and every delay costs us money. It’s becoming unsustainable for businesses like ours that depend on this route for transportation,” said Ahmed Musa, a logistics operator who frequently uses the Abuja-Kaduna road.

### Government’s Ultimatum and Penalties

With the new deadline in place, the Federal Government has made it clear that failure to meet the target will not be tolerated. Minister Umahi hinted at potential penalties for Julius Berger if the company fails to deliver the project on time. “We are reviewing the contract terms, and we will not hesitate to impose penalties or even consider alternative contractors if Julius Berger fails to meet the new deadline. The people of Nigeria deserve better, and we will hold all parties accountable,” Umahi warned.

The government’s tough stance has been welcomed by road users and advocacy groups, many of whom have long called for more accountability in the handling of major infrastructure projects. However, some analysts have pointed out that punitive measures alone may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues that have caused delays, such as inadequate funding and security concerns.

### Security Measures and Ongoing Monitoring

In light of the security challenges along the Abuja-Kaduna road, the government has also announced additional measures to ensure the safety of workers and road users. Minister Umahi revealed that security forces would be deployed along the route to protect construction workers and commuters during the remaining phases of the project. The Nigerian Police, in collaboration with the military, will set up checkpoints and increase patrols to deter criminal activities.

“We are working closely with security agencies to ensure that the construction workers can complete their work without fear of attacks, and that commuters are safe while traveling on the road. The government is committed to creating a safe environment for both workers and the public,” Umahi said.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Works has established a monitoring team that will provide regular updates on the progress of the construction work. This team will conduct periodic site inspections and report directly to the Minister to ensure that the project stays on track.

### Looking Ahead

The completion of the Abuja-Kaduna road is seen as a crucial step in improving Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and addressing the country’s broader economic and security challenges. Once completed, the road is expected to reduce travel times, improve safety, and boost economic activities between the capital city and the northern region.

While the ultimatum has raised hopes that the project will finally be completed, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Julius Berger can meet the government’s expectations. For now, road users, businesses, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the construction company can deliver on its promises and avoid further delays.