By Joy Onu
A new phase of public scrutiny has begun around Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, as the Federal Ministry of Works leads a media-guided inspection of major projects across the North West, shifting focus from announcements to on-site accountability.
The tour began on the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, a corridor long associated with delays but now being repositioned as a key economic route. The Federal Ministry of Works says the exercise is designed to give journalists direct access to project sites, allowing independent verification of progress and challenges.
At the project location, Engineers’ Representative, Chukwuma Kalu, confirmed that a 108-kilometre stretch linking Tungan-Maje to Jere has been completed, while construction on the remaining section continues with a projected delivery timeline later in the year.
Contractors on the ground also signaled improved momentum. Robert Turner of Infiouest International Limited pointed to increased pace and coordination, attributing recent gains to stronger policy direction under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi. He added that most of the workforce on-site are Nigerians, reflecting a growing emphasis on local expertise.
Beyond the highway, attention also turned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe–Kaduna Western Bypass, a project expected to ease congestion within Kaduna city and expand economic activity along its axis. Though initiated earlier, officials noted that construction has gained visible traction in the past two years.
For the government, the broader objective extends beyond construction milestones. According to Sunday Dare, the media tour is structured to strengthen public trust by exposing projects to open assessment, while covering sectors ranging from transport to healthcare and energy.
As the inspection moves across states in the region, the Federal Government is placing emphasis on visibility alongside delivery, using direct media engagement to demonstrate that infrastructure commitments are gradually translating into tangible progress on the ground.
