The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja (Mararraba)-Keffi section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi dual carriageway. Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, and other officials, expressed optimism that the project would be completed by the June 2026 dateline.

The minister confirmed that the project constitutes Section I of the contract, which spans 43.65 kilometers on one side and totals 87.3 kilometers for both carriageways. This road corridor is a critical segment of the larger Abuja–Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu–Port Harcourt route designed to enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Rivers states.

Following an inspection of the project site, Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work, noting that it has achieved 42 percent completion. He assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to delivering life-transforming infrastructure that will enhance economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and enhance the quality of life.

Goronyo also assured that funding will not hinder the project’s execution, emphasizing that the Ministry is prepared to process and disburse funds promptly upon receiving certified claims. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing this critical infrastructure.

The Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Yakubu Usman, provided a technical update on the project. He said it features a two-way six-lane structure with outer shoulders but lacks inner shoulders, which the reconstruction aims to improve for better traffic flow and safety. According to him, site clearing and scarification have been completed, while the stone base and binder coarse are at 80 percent completion. Work is also advancing on the median drains and rigid shoulders.

Acknowledging challenges posed by high traffic and densely populated areas along the corridor, Usman disclosed that the ministry is partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic. The contractor has resorted to working only at night in critical areas to minimize disturbances to public activities during the daytime.

The Project Manager, China Harbour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), Mr. Ronald Liao, expressed confidence that with the support from the ministry and relevant stakeholders, the company will deliver the project in a record time, according to the project’s design.