By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
Kaduna, Dec. 21, 2025 (NAN) – The Kaduna State Government has announced the completion of a major 35-kilometer asphalt road, a project it hails as a cornerstone of its rural transformation agenda. The newly opened road creates a vital link between Gadar Gayan in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), via a spur at Gwaraji in Kajuru LGA, to Maraban Kujama in Chikun LGA.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba-Ahmad, provided comprehensive insights into the project’s scope and significance. He emphasized that this is not merely a road but a strategic piece of infrastructure designed to integrate disparate rural economies.
“This landmark project is the longest single-span asphalt road constructed in Kaduna State in the last two decades,” Baba-Ahmad stated. “Its impact, however, is measured in more than just length. It represents a direct investment in the economic veins of our state.”
Beyond Asphalt: A Deeper Look at the Project’s Components
The project’s complexity and ambition extend beyond the asphalt surface. Dr. Baba-Ahmad highlighted two critical engineering feats:
- The 130-Metre Bridge: A centerpiece of the project is a 130-meter bridge constructed across the River Kaduna. This bridge is transformative, replacing unreliable ferry crossings or lengthy detours. It ensures all-weather access, which is crucial for farmers needing to get perishable goods to market and for emergency services.
- Extensive Community Reach: The road traverses an impressive 76 farming communities. Previously, these communities were connected by dirt tracks that became impassable during the rainy season, effectively cutting them off from major markets and services. The new road directly links three local government areas—Igabi, Kajuru, and Chikun—creating a new economic corridor.
Execution and Oversight: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
The project, which had its groundbreaking ceremony performed by Governor Uba Sani in January 2024, was executed by Messrs MotherCat Nigeria Limited, a firm with a global reputation in construction. Dr. Baba-Ahmad stressed that KADRA provided “keen supervision” throughout the process. This oversight role is critical in public projects to ensure adherence to engineering standards, budgetary discipline, and timely delivery, moving beyond mere contract awarding to active project management.
The Tangible Impact: From Connectivity to Economic Stimulation
The government’s statement frames the road within Governor Uba Sani’s “rural transformation agenda.” The practical implications of this are multifaceted:
- For Farmers: Reduced travel time and vehicle wear-and-tear mean lower costs to bring crops like maize, ginger, and tomatoes to the larger markets in Kaduna metropolis. It also enables easier access to inputs like fertilizer and improved seedlings.
- For Commerce: The reliable connection stimulates trade between the linked LGAs, allows for the movement of goods and services, and can attract small-scale agro-processing businesses seeking accessible raw materials.
- For Social Services: It drastically improves access to healthcare facilities and schools for residents of the 76 communities, “giving them a feel of the presence of government,” as Baba-Ahmad noted.
- For Security: Enhanced mobility allows for more effective security patrols and quicker response times in previously hard-to-reach areas.
In conclusion, the Gadar Gayan–Gwaraji–Maraban Kujama road is a significant infrastructure milestone for Kaduna State. Its value lies not just in its record length but in its deliberate design to connect farming heartlands to urban centers, bridge a major river, and integrate local economies. The project’s success will ultimately be judged by the measurable increase in agricultural output, trade, and improved quality of life in the 76 communities it now serves.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
