Umahi Hails Near-Completion of Mararaba-Keffi Road, Seeks Quality Delivery
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality and pace of work on the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba-Keffi Road, while calling for the prompt release of outstanding funds approved for the project.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of the road project, which was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme at a cost of N73.9 billion.
The road links the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with communities in Nasarawa State and is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and traffic congestion, and boost economic activities along the corridor.
Expressing satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, the minister said the project had reached technical completion and could be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu as early as July after a few outstanding issues are addressed.
“We are very happy with China Harbour. They have done a very good job. Today, the job is technically completed and ready for commissioning,” Umahi said.
He noted that the ministry introduced design modifications to the project, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways, describing the innovation as a durable solution to erosion and pavement edge failures.
Despite the progress recorded, Umahi said funding constraints had affected work at certain stages of construction. He disclosed that outstanding payments were still owed to the contractor under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme and appealed for the immediate release of approved funds.
“The President has approved the payment, and I appeal that the funds be released promptly. I feel unhappy when contractors are encouraged to work and the approved funds are withheld,” he said.
The minister stressed the importance of road infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving security across the country. He also praised Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for complementary infrastructure projects around the corridor, particularly flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion.
Umahi further directed contractors handling adjoining projects to consider night-time construction where necessary to minimise disruption to road users.
Providing an update on the project, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Yakubu Usman, said the road had attained 99.8 per cent completion, with only minor ancillary works such as kerbs, U-drains and streetlight installations remaining.
Usman described the project as a model for future federal road developments, highlighting the benefits of the reinforced shoulder design in extending pavement lifespan.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, CHEC Chairman Wang Wenfei thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support throughout the project.
“With the support of the Minister of Works and the National Assembly, we have successfully completed the job. We will address the observations and directives given during the inspection as quickly as possible,” he said.
The Mararaba-Keffi Road is one of the busiest transport corridors in the North-Central region, serving thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily between Abuja and neighbouring states. Its completion is expected to enhance regional mobility, facilitate trade and investment, and improve transportation for road users.
