By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure as officials of the Federal Ministry of Works conducted a media tour of ongoing and completed projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Leading the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, said the projects reflect the administration’s focus on strengthening transportation networks to support economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the tour, officials inspected the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Expressway on the Keffi-bound carriageway, which Usman said has surpassed 90 percent completion.
The project, awarded in 2023 to China Harbour Engineering Company, involves extensive reconstruction work, including pavement rehabilitation, installation of stone base layers, asphalt binder and wearing courses, as well as the construction of reinforced concrete-lined drains, median barriers and guardrails.
Usman explained that most of the structural work along the corridor has been completed, including milling, pulverisation, compaction and asphalt laying across the 43-kilometre stretch. Installation and painting of median barriers and guardrails have also progressed significantly.
Although the contract has a 30-month completion period ending in June 2026, the Federal Controller said the pace of work suggests the project could be completed within weeks. He noted that ancillary works such as side drains, median drains and capstone construction are still ongoing.
Two flyovers have also been incorporated into the project to improve traffic flow along the busy corridor linking the FCT with Nasarawa State.
Project Manager for CHEC, Engr. Amadu Ruben, assured that the road is being built to last between 50 and 100 years, emphasising the contractor’s commitment to quality and durability.
Usman further disclosed that rehabilitation work is also ongoing on the Abuja-bound carriageway of the corridor under a separate 40-kilometre contract handled by JRB Construction Limited. The work involves milling the existing asphalt surface, cement stabilisation and application of binder and wearing courses.
He said about 10 kilometres have been completed up to binder level, while full completion of the rehabilitation is expected within six months.
A road user, Mr. Matthew Daniel, welcomed the development, saying the improvements have significantly reduced travel time and revived economic activities along the corridor.
The delegation also assessed work on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway, where Usman said the contract was re-awarded to Infiuest International Limited after the previous contract was terminated due to poor performance and the expiration of the contract period.
He explained that the project design was upgraded from asphalt pavement to continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, given the road’s strategic importance as a major route linking the North-West and North-East regions to Abuja and the southern part of the country.
Providing an update on the project, the engineering representative, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu, said substantial progress has been made across several sections. According to him, Section I of the road, covering the Tungar Maje–Jere axis across the FCT and Kaduna State, is expected to be completed by the end of April, with contractors currently working day and night shifts.
In addition to the highway projects, several emergency rehabilitation and intervention projects were commissioned across parts of the territory.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commissioned the projects on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The projects include the rehabilitation of Child Care Trust Road in Bwari, construction of roads and drainage in flood-prone areas around Lugbe and Airport Road, as well as the construction of five adjoining roads in Gwagwalada.
The 1.1-kilometre Child Care Trust Road in Bwari was rehabilitated by Gerawa Global Engineering Limited in 2024. The work included site clearance, pavement rehabilitation, excavation of drainage channels and installation of concrete pipe culverts to improve water flow and road durability.
Another intervention project focused on the construction of roads and drainage infrastructure in flood-prone areas of Lugbe, executed by Next Level Modern Innovative Engineering & Technology Limited. The project involved drain desilting, culvert construction, stone pitching and asphalt surfacing to reduce flooding and improve road stability.
Speaking during the commissioning, Ike said the media would continue to report objectively by acknowledging government achievements while also holding institutions and public officials accountable. She added that well-constructed roads play a critical role in enhancing safety, boosting commerce and improving the quality of life for citizens.
The Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed, said the projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal as a key pillar of national development.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would maintain strict monitoring and quality assurance measures to ensure the timely delivery of road projects across the country.
