The Federal Government has linked delays on Section 2 of the Kano–Katsina dual carriageway to compensation issues affecting farmlands and houses along the corridor.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, North-West, Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection at Gidan-Mutum Daya, Katsina State.

He said the 157-kilometre project was awarded by the previous administration and recorded measurable progress despite compensation challenge.

“We inspected the project with members of NSE and COREN and have seen the quality of work being delivered by the contractor. The project is about 27 per cent complete, and the only major challenge is compensation,” Mr Tanko-Yakasai said.

He, however, expressed optimism, saying, “I believe this issue will be resolved soon, as the importance of this road cannot be overemphasised.”

Mr Tanko-Yakasai noted that the road would boost economic activities, adding, “Kano is a commercial centre and very close to Katsina.”

He explained that compensation responsibilities recently shifted to state governments, complicating projects initiated under previous federal arrangements.

“With this new arrangement, we believe the minister of works will engage the Katsina State governor to resolve the matter,” he said

The Federal Controller of Works, Muhammed Idris, said the project had progressed slowly previously but benefited from improved funding under the current administration.

He said compensation issues would soon be settled to enable completion and public use of the road.

The CCECC representative, Tang Tiran, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to quality, while NSE and COREN officials said they were ensuring adherence to standards and professional ethics. (NAN)