By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the country, as senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works conducted a media tour of ongoing and completed projects within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during the tour, the Federal Controller of Works (FCT), Engr. Yakubu Usman, said the projects demonstrate the government’s resolve to strengthen transportation networks as drivers of economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that strategic road projects currently underway are designed to improve mobility, boost commerce and enhance connectivity between the FCT and neighbouring states.
Mararaba–Keffi Dual Carriageway Nears Completion
The Federal Controller disclosed that the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Expressway, awarded in 2023 to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), has reached over 90 percent completion and is ahead of schedule.
According to him, the project involves extensive engineering works including pavement rehabilitation, installation of asphalt binder and wearing courses, construction of reinforced concrete-lined drains, and the installation of median barriers and guardrails along the corridor.
Engr. Usman explained that major milestones already achieved include the completion of milling, pulverisation and compaction along the 43-kilometre alignment, as well as the provision of stone base, asphalt binder and wearing courses across major sections of the road.
He added that although the project originally had a 30-month completion timeline ending in June 2026, the accelerated pace of work means it could be delivered within the next few weeks.
Ancillary works such as median drains, side drains and capstone installations are still ongoing. Two flyovers have also been incorporated into the project to ease traffic congestion along the busy corridor linking the FCT with Nasarawa State.
The Project Manager of CHEC, Engr. Amadu Ruben, assured that the road is being constructed to last between 50 and 100 years, reflecting the contractor’s commitment to quality and long-term durability.
Meanwhile, a separate 40-kilometre rehabilitation of the Abuja-bound carriageway, being handled by JRB Construction Limited, is progressing steadily. About 10 kilometres have been completed up to binder level, with the entire project expected to be delivered within six months.
A commuter along the route, Mr. Matthew Daniel, praised the Federal Government for addressing long-standing challenges on the road, saying the improvements have significantly reduced travel time and revived economic activities in the area.
The Federal Controller also provided updates on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway project, explaining that the previous contract was terminated due to poor performance and expiration of the contract period.
He said the project was subsequently re-awarded to Infiouest International Limited and redesigned from asphalt pavement to Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to ensure long-term durability due to the road’s strategic national importance.
The Engineering Representative on the project, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu, confirmed significant progress across several sections, noting that works are ongoing day and night.
He disclosed that Section I of the project, covering Tungar Maje to Jere within the FCT and Kaduna State, is expected to be completed by the end of April.
Senior Project Manager, Mr. Robert Turner, also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule, describing the highway as a critical economic corridor linking the North-West and North-East to Abuja and southern parts of the country.
Emergency Road Projects Commissioned
During the tour, several completed intervention projects were commissioned on behalf of the Minister of Works by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
The projects include the limited rehabilitation of the Child Care Trust Road in Bwari, construction of roads and drainage systems in flood-prone areas around CRD and Winner’s area along Airport Road in Lugbe, and the construction of five adjoining roads in Gwagwalada.
The Bwari road rehabilitation project, executed by Gerawa Global Engineering Limited in 2024, covered a 1.1-kilometre stretch and involved site clearance, carriageway filling, scarification of existing pavement, construction of drains and culverts, and installation of reinforced concrete drainage infrastructure.
Similarly, the Lugbe flood control and road construction project, executed by Next Level Modern Innovative
Engineering & Technology Limited, included desilting of drains, construction of reinforced concrete box culverts, provision of kerbs, stone pitching, and asphalt surfacing to ensure improved drainage and road durability.
Speaking during the commissioning, Comrade Grace Ike assured that the media would continue to report government activities objectively while holding institutions accountable.
She noted that well-constructed and properly maintained roads play a vital role in enhancing safety, promoting trade and improving the overall well-being of citizens.
Government Restates Infrastructure Agenda
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, said the projects highlight the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal as a foundation for national development.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to maintain strict monitoring and quality assurance standards to ensure the timely delivery of all ongoing projects.
“The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to providing resilient and world-class road infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians,” he said.
