After years of traffic gridlock and commuter frustration, relief may soon come for motorists on the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi Road as the Federal Government says reconstruction of the highway is now more than 90 per cent complete and on schedule for delivery in June 2026.
The Federal Controller of Works in the Federal Capital Territory, Usman Yakubu, disclosed this during a media inspection of the 43.65-kilometre corridor in Mararaba.
Yakubu described progress on the project as steady and slightly ahead of schedule, noting that the contractor moved to site immediately after the project was awarded in 2023.
“This project was awarded in 2023 and the contractor moved to site immediately with a completion period of 30 months,” he said.
“The completion date is June 2026. So, we still have three months ahead of the completion period. So far, the contractor has achieved over 90 per cent completion of the works.
“So, the completion and the time lapse are moving hand-in-hand. In fact, the completion is even ahead of the time lapse. The contractor has made good progress.”
According to him, construction on the main carriageway has already reached 100 per cent completion, with only finishing works and complementary infrastructure remaining.
These include the installation of median drains, side drains, and capstones, which are designed to improve the structural strength of the highway and enhance its drainage system.
Yakubu said the project reflects improved engineering standards introduced by the supervising minister. He explained that the capstone component of the project was redesigned to improve durability.
“Initially, the capstone was to be precast but under the guidance of the minister, he directed that we do precast, which is more durable,” he said.
“That’s what the contractors are doing right now. They are casting steel instead of precast. It’s more durable and will stand the test of time.”
He also highlighted the introduction of rigid shoulders, replacing what he described as the “sophisticated shoulders” previously used in road construction.
“In the past, most of our roads used to have sophisticated shoulders. But the minister introduced rigid shoulders to protect the carriageway and also make the shoulders last longer,” Yakubu explained.
“With the rigid shoulders, it will protect the carriageway from the menace of erosion. These are innovative approaches that have brought changes in the way we used to do things before.”
The contractor handling the project, China Harbour Engineering Company, also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a high-quality road infrastructure.
The company’s Public Relations Officer, Amoudu Reuben, said the highway is being constructed with durability in mind.
“We are building roads that will last for 50 to 100 years. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to delivering a quality job,” he said.
A major gateway into the Federal Capital Territory, the expressway connects Abuja to neighbouring communities in Nasarawa State and supports thousands of daily commuters.
Its near completion is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel time, and stimulate economic activities along the busy transport corridor.
