The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ending abandoned and substandard infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection tour of key Federal Government road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State.
According to a statement issued 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 for their performance and adherence to quality standards.
He specifically praised China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., which is handling the reconstruction and expansion of the Keffi-bound carriageway, describing the work done so far as commendable.
The minister also lauded Messrs JRB Construction Company, responsible for the emergency rehabilitation of the Abuja-bound section, expressing optimism that the project would be delivered ahead of its scheduled completion date of March 1, 2028.
Umahi noted that the project includes additional infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights aimed at improving visibility, safety and overall road corridor management.
“The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion,” the minister said during his interaction with contractors.
He reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that all infrastructure projects are delivered according to specification, within approved timelines, and with lasting durability.
Umahi warned contractors against compromising standards, stressing that poorly executed projects would no longer be tolerated due to their negative impact on economic development and public resources.
He assured contractors of the government’s readiness to honour its obligations, including timely payments, while urging them to promptly communicate any challenges that could affect project execution.
“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 also directed contractors to prioritise completion of outstanding sections before proceeding with asphalt overlay works, warning that fragmented execution could delay project delivery.
During the inspection, Umahi also visited Section II of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road project being handled by Messrs Infiouest International Limited, noting that the section is expected to be completed by November 12, 2026.
The inspection was attended by key lawmakers, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, among others.
The legislators commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining infrastructure development momentum nationwide, describing the projects as vital to economic growth, regional integration and improved transportation.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and presidential aides also praised the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Abuja–Keffi corridor remains one of the busiest transport routes in Nigeria, linking the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa State and several regions across the North-Central and North-East.
The ongoing reconstruction forms part of broader federal efforts to modernize road infrastructure, improve mobility, and support economic activities nationwide.
