By Joy Onu
Traffic bottlenecks in Kano may soon become a thing of the past as the Federal Government intensifies construction work on the Kano Northern Bypass, a major infrastructure project designed to ease congestion, improve safety for motorists, and stimulate economic growth across the North-West.
According to a press release issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Works, the project involves a 37.8-kilometre dual carriageway fitted with 10 major bridges, reinforced concrete shoulders, and a three-metre concrete median. The road stretches from Danzaki along the Kano–Hadejia Road and connects to the Kano–Katsina Road, about nine kilometres outside the city on both ends.
The statement explained that the bypass will provide an alternative route for vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks travelling between the North-East and North-West, allowing them to avoid the Kano metropolis. This is expected to significantly cut travel time, reduce traffic pressure, and lower the cost of moving goods.
Project Engineering Representative, Engr. Abba Sani Bello, disclosed that work has so far reached about 6.8 per cent completion. He said progress has been recorded in site clearance, earthworks, pavement construction, and structural activities. A total of 5.9 kilometres of pavement wearing course has already been laid on both carriageways, while piling and pier works are ongoing at several bridge points. He added that compensation matters affecting some sections are being handled, with no serious relocation challenges reported.
On his part, the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State, Engr. Abdulsalam Dayyabu, expressed confidence in the quality of work being delivered, noting that construction activities are being carried out strictly in line with approved specifications. He applauded the Minister of Works and the media delegation for visiting the project site.
Presidential aide on Community Engagement for the North-West, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, described the bypass as one of the projects that reflect the infrastructure priorities of the Tinubu administration. He said beyond easing traffic, the road would open up new commercial opportunities, attract investment, and accelerate development along the corridor. He also commended CCECC (Nigeria) Limited for maintaining strong construction standards and deploying modern equipment.
Yakasai further disclosed that the North-West accounts for 48 out of the 260 Emergency Road Projects currently ongoing nationwide. He added that the use of concrete shoulders, concrete medians, and the proposed solar-powered streetlights would not only improve safety but also give the road a lifespan of more than 50 years.
During the same inspection, officials also visited sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway (Kano end). One of the supervising engineers, Engr. Muhammed Kudu, confirmed that critical works such as asphalt overlay, shoulder repairs, stone-base laying, lane markings, and streetlight installations are progressing across different portions of the road.
Beyond inspections, the delegation also witnessed the commissioning of five completed Emergency and Special Intervention Projects across Kano State. These include the reconstruction of Magajin Rumfa Road in Nasarawa G.R.A, repairs on flood-damaged sections along Kwanar Garko–Garko–Kibiya Road, rehabilitation of damaged hydraulic structures on Wudil–Darki Road, and the construction of roads at the Economic City, Bichi (Phases I and II). The commissioning was carried out by the presidential aide, a Deputy Director from the Kano State Ministry of Works, and leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Correspondents’ Chapel in the state.
Community representatives, including Shehu Fada Garko and Tijani Buhari, welcomed the interventions, describing them as long overdue and crucial to improving movement, boosting local business, and enhancing overall community wellbeing.
With multiple projects underway across Kano and beyond, the Federal Government says it is pushing to ensure that ongoing road works are completed to standard and delivered within reasonable timelines to maximise their impact on citizens.
