FG pushes completion of Abuja–Keffi road

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road, reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to end the era of abandoned and substandard infrastructure projects across the country.

Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of ongoing Federal Government road projects in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohamed Ahmed, the minister commended contractors handling critical sections of the Abuja–Keffi corridor and urged them to maintain quality standards until completion.

The minister particularly praised China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., which is handling the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba–Keffi Road on the Keffi-bound carriageway, for the quality of work executed so far.

He also commended Messrs JRB Construction Company, the contractor handling the full emergency rehabilitation of the Abuja-bound section of the road, expressing confidence that the project would be delivered ahead of its scheduled completion date of March 1, 2028.

Umahi noted that the project would also include ancillary infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights aimed at improving safety and enhancing the road corridor.

The statement read: “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road. He made the remarks while inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in the FCT and Nasarawa State. The contractor on the Mararaba–Keffi (Keffi-bound) road project is China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.”

Addressing the contractors during the inspection, the minister said, “This is highly commendable. The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion.”

“The Federal Government is determined to ensure that projects are delivered according to specification and within the approved timelines. Nigerians deserve durable infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and we will continue to insist on quality in every project under our supervision.”

Umahi warned contractors against compromising standards and stressed that the government would no longer tolerate poorly executed projects that have historically slowed economic development and burdened public finances.

He assured contractors of the government’s commitment to honouring its obligations, including prompt payment for completed works, while urging them to maintain regular communication with the ministry whenever challenges arise.

“If you encounter any difficulty, inform us immediately. The Federal Government remains committed to meeting its obligations, including timely payments. However, quality must never be compromised,” he stated.

The minister further directed contractors to prioritise the completion of all outstanding portions of the road before embarking on additional asphalt works.

According to him, several projects across the country have suffered delays and operational challenges due to incomplete stretches left unattended while contractors moved to other sections.

During the inspection tour, Umahi also visited Section II of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road being executed by Messrs Infiouest International Limited.

He disclosed that outstanding works on the section are expected to be completed by November 12, 2026.

The inspection attracted key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi; and the member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Jeremiah Sa’idu.

The lawmakers commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining momentum in infrastructure development across the country, describing the road projects as strategic investments capable of stimulating economic growth and improving connectivity.

They noted that efficient road infrastructure would facilitate trade, reduce travel time, strengthen national integration, and enhance economic activities across regions. The lawmakers also pledged continued legislative support and oversight to ensure the successful completion of ongoing projects.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in the FCT, Mohammed Usman, commended the level of commitment demonstrated in the execution of the projects.

He praised Umahi’s hands-on leadership style and regular supervision of project sites, noting that such oversight had contributed significantly to maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central Zone, Abiodun Essiet, also lauded Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustained investments in infrastructure and other development programmes.

She said improved road networks would ease movement, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to broader economic prosperity.

The Abuja–Keffi Road remains one of the busiest transport corridors in the country, serving as a critical gateway linking the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa State and several states in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.

The ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure renewal programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve transportation networks, boost economic activities, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.