Umahi Inspects Mararaba–Keffi Carriageway, Keffi Flyover Project, Visits Keffi-Nasarawan Toto–Abaji Road The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of key road projects in Nasarawa State. At the site of the Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararraba-Keffi Dual Carriageway, the Minister expressed serious concerns about the pace of work and lack of adherence to engineering specifications. He informed the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company that after several warnings, the Ministry is left with no choice but to revoke the contract for the Abuja-bound carriageway. He further directed that it should be awarded to a local contractor with a proven track record, who will be mobilised to complete the concrete shoulders and other pending works. The slow pace of construction had been causing considerable hardship for road users and residents along the corridor. The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, Directors and other staff of the Ministry, representatives of the construction firms handling the various projects, and was met at the Keffi Flyover by the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Sen. Ahmed Wadata, officials of the State Government, and other stakeholders. Engr. Umahi emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to delivering high-quality and durable road infrastructure, meeting global engineering standards and capable of serving Nigerians for decades. “We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors, who delay projects and ignore directives,” he declares. The Minister reiterated his faith in Nigerian Engineers and contractors, guaranteeing that they would deliver quality jobs comparable to international standards, when given the opportunity. He also warned that any contractor who fails to meet deadlines or flouts directives would have their contracts terminated. Engr. Umahi cautioned that “If by the 15th of December, you do not finish the scope of work, I will terminate the whole contract. We must begin to trust our local contractors. This is about discipline, quality, and integrity,” he stressed. He went further to say that “when we came on board, we reviewed the method statement for this project because we could not accept a design that would destroy an already consolidated subgrade,” Umahi explained. “We changed the design to include 20 cm of concrete on the inner shoulder and reinforced the stone base with 3.5% cement content. The sections already completed are excellent and will last for a minimum of 50 years.” The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, also admonished contractors to show greater seriousness and commitment to the timely completion of projects. He restated that the present administration is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time, as well as improve the quality of life of Nigerians. Goronyo added that we must all take our responsibilities seriously. “Contractors must adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, as the Ministry will not compromise on quality and accountability,” the Minister disclosed. The Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu reported that about 50% of the project has been completed and assured that the first phase will be delivered by December 15, 2025. At the site of the Emergency Repairs of the Damaged Keffi Flyover, the Minister, accompanied by the Nasarawa State Governor, said that “two months ago, a tragic accident damaged part of this flyover, leading to loss of lives. We reported it to Mr. President, who immediately approved funds for its repairs.” “Today, we can see the quality of work being done. They are recasting the entire slab, not just the affected part at a very conservative cost of ₦1.5 billion,” he added. On the soon-to-be-awarded rescoped Keffi-Nasarawan Toto-Abaji Road, the Minister informed the Governor and his entourage that the original contract sum of ₦73 billion covered an initial 43.65 km stretch.  However, the initial scope has now been reviewed and extended to 137 km, reaching Abaji town in the FCT, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under a special funding arrangement. In his remarks, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their interventions in the State, especially the Keffi Flyover, which was recently damaged by an overloaded truck. The Governor further noted that the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto-Abaji road is crucial to the economic development of both Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, as it serves as a major gateway for goods, services, and people. It also serves the biggest Lithium Factory in Africa, recently commissioned by Mr. President. Senator Wadada, representing Nasarawa West and other stakeholders commended the Minister for his dedication, describing him as an “uncommon performer,” whose hands-on approach reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. They also applauded the President for being “a leader for all.” Engr. Umahi reaffirmed that all ongoing Federal projects will now adopt the revised engineering method statement, which emphasises, complete milling of old pavement, reinforcement of subgrade with stone base and cement, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and proper drainage and slope control. He also stressed that these specifications are designed to guarantee a minimum lifespan of 50 years for the reconstructed roads. “No contractor, no matter how connected, will be allowed to compromise on quality. Mr. President has done his part by approving funding; it is now our duty to ensure delivery,” the Minister emphasised.  Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations.  12th October 2025. ...

OUSTANDING WORKS ON ABUJA-KADUNA-ZARIA-KANO ROAD PROJECT GET EXPEDITIOUS DELIVERY BOOST, AS WORKS MINISTER, SEN DAVID UMAHI AND KADUNA STATE GOVERNOR,SEN. UBA SANI  MEET ON MODALITIES TO FASTRACK DELIVERY OF PROJECT. In the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration towards achieving timeous completion of the outstanding works on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, handled by Messrs Infiouest International Limited, the Hoonourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi  CON has directed the contractor to fastrack the delivery of the two sections of the road project particularly by increasing the number of work zones between Jere and kaduna in Kaduna State and ensuring that the project is delivered in record time. The Honourable Minister of Works gave this directive after a meeting he had with the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani CON together with the contractor handling  the project, held at the Honourable Minister’s office, Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October, 2025. Speaking on the importance and priority accorded to the project by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,  the Hounourable Minister  stated; “We have been monitoring this project almost every week, and so we  insisted that we must do a meeting with the MD of Infiouest who has the contract of these sections, lot 1, which is N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 which is basically in Kaduna, 82 kilometres by 2 that is 164 kilometres costing Federal Government N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion Naira), so altogether to complete all the sections from Abuja down to Kaduna, down Kano is costing the Federal Government N754,000,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Billion). Lot 1 is 118 kilometres, costing N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 is 164 kilometres, costing N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion)”. He directed the contractor, Infiouest, to deploy on 4 sections and ensure steady work progress, and the Engineer Representative to relocate to Kaduna and monitor strictly the progress of the project and feed him back on daily basis. He assured the Governor that the progress and quality of work would be tracked with a view to achieving delivery in record time. " I want to assure you that the President is very highly concerned to get this project done. But the quality of using the same standard of coastal highway is something that our brothers and sisters in the North will never forget President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his love and commitment towards the development of every part of this country ." Also, speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Governor of Kaduna State expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and the quality of the job being done on the project. He said that he had no doubt  that in the next two weeks, the contractor  should  be able to record   commendable  milestones given the quality of the meeting  held with the Honourable Minister of Works and the contractor handling  the job.He further stated that the road is a very important transport corridor that connects not only the economic corridors of the North West but also that of the North Central and the North East " What is more important for us here is for you to understand that Abuja, Kaduna, Kano road connects about 12 States. States from North West, as well as some States from North Central and North East. So it is a very important road that I believe that by the time you complete this project, many people, apart from Kaduna, will be very happy." He commended the professionalism, passion, and innovation brought to bare by the Honourable Minister of Works, whom he described as a rare gem in public service delivery." We are proud  to have a Minister of the caliber of Engr. David Umahi, who is of very top profession. I am surprised, when I came here he had to break down the entire project ( off hand)  from the size of the project to the level of the project as well as the quality of what is going on there, and I can say that if we have a lot of Honourable Ministers like him in Nigeria,we have to go to sleep without having any problems " In the response of the contractor handling the project, the Managing Director of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Abou Jaounde assured of keeping to the directive of the Honourable Minister. “ I am here to assure you, even though we have some little challenges in Kaduna, but from now to 2 weeks, we are going to have a visit a site and to make sure that this portion of the road will be joined with Zuba to Kaduna, and all the sections will be joined together to make sure that the work will be done on time in the right way and quality required ”. This collaborative support and encouragement from the Governor of Kaduna State  is made possible because of his interest to tap into the massive infrastructural development programmes of the federal government across the Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria. He is a visionary leader and development advocate who  is widely recognized for his contributions to democracy, governance, and social transformation. He is a product of Nigeria’s diverse educational system, a financial guru, business administrator, and engineer in thought. He played a frontline role in the struggle against the military rule in Nigeria. He was a courageous pro-democracy activist, organizing and mobilizing citizens in Northern Nigeria against military dictatorship. Today, he is on the saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State and he is one of the serving Governors in Nigeria who have shown untiring determination to right the wrong in the socio-economic conditions of their people and he is achieving progressive and exponential result given the unprecedented wave of support and leverage provided by the Renewed Hope administration of President  Tinubu to the sub-national governments. Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works. ...

Minister Inspects Ongoing Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararaba-Keffi Road (43.65km) Under Tax Credit Scheme. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, conducted a site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion works on the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba-Keffi Road. The project, a critical infrastructure upgrade under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited. The Minister, during the inspection, expressed serious concern over the pace of work and the persistent traffic congestion along the corridor, which serves as a vital link between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. He noted that the daily gridlock severely affects thousands of commuters, particularly civil servants residing along the axis, many of whom struggle to arrive at work on time. Rt. Hon. Goronyo emphasized the urgency of expediting the construction timeline, reminding the contractor that the Federal Government had granted permission for night-time construction activities to ensure faster delivery and to mitigate the hardship faced by road users. "This project is of national importance. The volume of traffic here is massive, and many public servants are suffering. The government is fully supportive of this project, but the contractor must rise to the occasion. You have approval to work at night — please utilise it to meet the delivery schedule," the Minister stated. In response, Mr. Dong Hong, the Project Manager representing China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, assured the Minister and the Nigerian public that the project remains on track and will be completed within the agreed timeline. "We understand the importance of this road and the urgency to ease traffic for the people. Our team is fully mobilised, and we are committed to delivering quality work on time," said Mr. Hong. The Mararaba-Keffi Road project forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure needs through innovative financing mechanisms such as the Tax Credit Scheme, which allows private sector partners to invest in public road projects in exchange for tax reliefs. The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to ensuring that all ongoing infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, timely, and to the highest standards, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed.  Director, Press and Public Relations Department.  Federal Ministry of Works. ...