The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the expansion of the Abuja (Mararraba)-Keffi section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway by June 2026. This assurance followed a project site inspection on Saturday led by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, and senior officials, Goronyo noted that the project is a crucial component of the national road network connecting Abuja to Port Harcourt through key cities including Lafia, Makurdi, Enugu, and Owerri.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the Minister described the road corridor as a “life-transforming infrastructure” that will boost mobility, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activity across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Rivers States.
“The project covers a total of 87.3 kilometres—43.65 kilometres on each carriageway. We are currently at 42 percent completion, and we remain optimistic that it will be delivered by the June 2026 deadline,” Goronyo said. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising this critical infrastructure that will positively impact the national economy.”
The Minister also addressed concerns regarding funding, stressing that financing will not hinder project delivery. “This is a priority project with a dedicated funding arrangement. Once certified payment claims are submitted, the Ministry is committed to prompt disbursement,” he assured.
Providing technical insight into the project, the Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, explained that the road features a two-way, six-lane structure with outer shoulders and improved safety provisions. He added that stone base and binder course works have reached 80 percent completion, while efforts are ongoing on median drains and rigid shoulders.
To address challenges posed by heavy traffic and dense settlements along the project corridor, Engr. Usman said the Ministry is working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow during construction. He also disclosed that in particularly congested areas, the contractor has adopted night-time construction schedules to reduce daytime disruption to commuters and residents.
The Project Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd., Mr. Ronald Liao, expressed confidence in the project’s timely delivery. He attributed ongoing progress to the strong support from the Ministry and relevant stakeholders.
The Abuja-Keffi road expansion forms part of a larger transportation strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity, regional integration, and economic resilience across Nigeria.
