The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has called for the termination of the contract awarded to Infioquest International Limited for the reconstruction of the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, alleging the company has demonstrated a lack of capacity to execute the project.
The group also demanded the resignation of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for allegedly failing to adequately supervise the project.
In a letter dated November 19, 2025, and addressed to the minister, the AYA expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of work on the road, which serves as a major gateway to 12 northern states from Abuja.
Signed by its spokesperson, Mohammed Danlami, the letter stressed that the road is of critical socio-economic importance to the North, adding that the current state of the project is unacceptable.
“This matter is of urgent national significance, and we expect prompt and responsible action,” the letter stated.
The group lamented that 11 months after the award of the contract to Infioquest International Limited, after it was revocation from Julius Berger, the project “is moving at a snail’s pace,” despite the minister’s assurances that work would be completed within 14 months.
“Seven months ago, during the inauguration of the contract, you told Nigerians that the project was awarded at the sum of N500 billion and that 30 per cent of the fund had been paid to the contractor,” Danlami recalled.
“You emphatically stated that the contractor was expected to complete the project within 14 months. With 11 months gone, you informed Nigerians that 38 kilometres of reinforced concrete road is ready for commissioning.
As regular users of the road, we doubt these claims. Such a critical claim demands transparency, accuracy, and demonstrable proof.”
The AYA demanded a comprehensive update on the true status of work on the expressway.
“We therefore request a detailed and publicly accessible explanation of all works carried out to date. This must include a breakdown of the exact kilometres completed, the specific locations where construction has commenced and ended, and a full account of the current status of every section under contract,” the group stated.
The group insisted that transparency in public procurement “is neither optional nor negotiable,” stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity.
It further described the deteriorating state of the road as a national embarrassment, noting that it contributes to fatal accidents, exposes commuters to bandit attacks, causes gridlock, and results in significant economic losses.
Danlami added that the handling of the project contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal, public safety, and citizens’ confidence in governance.”
