By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality infrastructure across the country.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Mohamed A. Ahmed, the Minister made the remarks during an inspection tour of ongoing Federal Government road projects in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.
During the visit, Engr. Umahi commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd., the contractor handling the Mararaba–Keffi Road project on the Keffi-bound carriageway, for the quality of work being executed. He also praised Messrs JRB Construction Company for the standard of work on the Full Emergency Rehabilitation of the Abuja-bound section of the road, expressing confidence that the project would be completed ahead of its scheduled March 1, 2028 deadline, including ancillary works such as the installation of solar-powered streetlights.
Describing the progress recorded on the projects as commendable, the Minister urged the contractors to maintain the high standards demonstrated so far and ensure timely delivery.
Engr. Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to eliminate abandoned and poorly executed infrastructure projects, stressing that contractors must adhere strictly to approved specifications, contractual obligations and directives from the Ministry.
He assured contractors of the government’s commitment to meeting its obligations, including prompt payment for certified works, while emphasising that quality standards must never be compromised. The Minister also directed the contractors to complete all outstanding sections of the roads before commencing additional asphalt works, noting that unfinished stretches had contributed to delays and setbacks on several projects nationwide.
As part of the inspection exercise, the Minister also visited Section II of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road project being executed by Messrs Infiouest International Ltd. He disclosed that outstanding works on the project are expected to be completed by November 12, 2026.
Speaking during the inspection, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, and the Member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Sa’idu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for accelerating infrastructure development across the country.
The lawmakers described the road projects as strategic investments that would boost economic growth, improve connectivity, facilitate trade and commerce, and strengthen national integration. They also pledged continued legislative support and oversight to ensure the successful completion of the projects.
Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Mohammed Usman, praised the commitment demonstrated in the execution of the projects. He commended the Minister for his hands-on leadership and consistent supervision, as well as the contractors for maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, also lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustained investments in critical infrastructure, agricultural empowerment initiatives and other people-oriented programmes aimed at enhancing economic prosperity and easing transportation challenges.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of JRB Construction Company, Mr. Jamilu Ogunbola, said the company’s involvement in the Abuja–Keffi Road project reflects the growing capacity of indigenous construction firms to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects in line with global standards and best practices.
The inspection tour underscores the Federal Government’s determination to ensure the timely completion and delivery of critical road infrastructure projects nationwide as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Ministry of Works maintained that it would continue to sustain the momentum of infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic transformation, national cohesion and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
