By|| Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja
The Federal Government has commissioned key emergency road interventions and inspected major ongoing highway projects in Plateau State, reaffirming its commitment to national connectivity, economic growth and infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The interventions, carried out during the Federal Ministry of Works’ National Media Tour of the North Central zone, covered completed emergency repairs and strategic road projects, including the Lafia–Shendam Road and the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road. The exercise highlighted the administration’s drive to restore failed sections of federal highways and accelerate delivery of critical infrastructure nationwide.
Officials explained that the current push follows the discovery that, as of May 2023, the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing federal road projects, many stalled due to funding constraints. In response, the Federal Government approved 260 emergency road projects across the country, prioritising severely deteriorated sections to improve safety, restore connectivity and ease the movement of people, goods and services.
Emergency projects commissioned in Plateau State were formally inaugurated on behalf of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo. She said the Federal Government was determined not only to initiate projects but to complete them according to approved standards, stressing that quality road infrastructure remains vital to sustainable development.
Providing technical details, the Federal Controller of Works in Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu, said one of the completed interventions involved the reinstatement of embankment washouts at a culvert and bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande) along the Shendam–Lafia Road. He noted that the works covered Chainage 38+000 to 38+200 for the culvert washout and Chainage 30+250 for the bridge washout.
According to him, the project was awarded at a cost of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and completed within a few months, restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor. He added that further repairs at Chainage 1+500 along the same alignment included the construction of a 2.0m by 1.5m double-cell box culvert alongside an existing single-cell culvert, as well as asphalt overlay works to address erosion, structural failure and hydraulic challenges.
The media team was also taken to an ongoing road construction project covering a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road Junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut. Engr. Shua’ibu disclosed that an additional seven-kilometre section is currently undergoing procurement, while the main project, awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at about ₦16 billion with a 15-month completion period, has reached approximately 52 per cent completion. He said funding issues that previously slowed progress had been resolved.
Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde, assured that the contractor was committed to delivering the road in line with specifications and timelines, commending the Federal Ministry of Works for consistent supervision and the host communities for their cooperation.
Representing the host communities, Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as “a road to endless possibilities,” citing improved access to farmlands, schools and economic opportunities. He pledged continued community support for the project.
The tour also featured the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking several communities in Plateau State. Although initially conceived as a rehabilitation project, the Federal Controller of Works explained that the scope now involves full construction of a new flexible pavement, including earthworks, sub-base and stone base layers. Awarded in 2018 with a 24-month completion timeline, the project had earlier stalled due to funding challenges but has since resumed following ministerial intervention.
Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth, said the road—designed with a 7.3-metre carriageway and 2.75-metre shoulders on both sides—would reduce travel time between communities from nearly two hours to about 20 minutes. He added that multiple bridge structures are included, with construction ongoing across various sections.
Similarly, Site Agent Engr. Augustine Imiere noted that the road would open up markets, boost businesses and enhance socio-economic activities across the region. He disclosed that the project includes drainage systems, hydraulic structures and five bridges, including multi-span bridges, expressing confidence that the road would be completed soon with sustained government and community support.
