The Federal Government has explained the reasons for delays affecting Section 2 of the Kano–Katsina dual carriageway.
The explanation was given on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, during an inspection of the project at Gidan-Mutum Daya in Katsina State.
Tanko-Yakasai said the delay resulted from unresolved compensation claims involving farmlands and residential properties located along the project corridor.
He stated that the 157-kilometre road, which was awarded under the previous administration, has recorded visible progress despite challenges linked to compensation.
“We inspected the project alongside members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and we are satisfied with the quality of work being delivered by the contractor,” he said.
According to him, the project has reached about 27 per cent completion, while compensation issues remain the major setback.
“I believe this issue will be resolved soon, as the importance of this road cannot be overemphasised,” he added.
Tanko-Yakasai noted that the road would boost economic activities in the region, pointing to the strong commercial relationship between Kano, a major trading centre, and Katsina.
He explained that recent policy changes shifted the responsibility for compensation payments to state governments, a development that has affected projects initiated under earlier federal arrangements.
“With this new arrangement, we are confident that the Minister of Works will engage the Katsina State governor to address and resolve the issue,” he assured.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works, Muhammed Idris, said the pace of work was previously slow but improved funding under the current administration has enhanced construction activities.
He expressed optimism that compensation matters would be settled soon, which would allow the project to be completed and opened for use as scheduled.
