FG Demonstrates Commitment to Quality Road Infrastructure Delivery During FCT Media Tour
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering durable, high-quality road infrastructure nationwide, as senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works conducted a media tour of ongoing and completed projects within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Federal Controller of Works (FCW), FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, stated that the projects reflect the Federal Government’s determination to enhance transportation and infrastructure as catalysts for economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Mararaba–Keffi Dual Carriageway Nears Completion
At the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Expressway (Keffi-bound), Engr. Usman disclosed that the project, awarded in 2023 to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), has surpassed 90 percent completion and remains ahead of schedule.
The scope of work, according to the FCW, includes site clearance, scarification and pulverization of the existing pavement, cut-to-fill and borrow-to-fill to approved cross-sections, laying of 200mm stone base on the carriageway and 100mm on shoulders, 60mm asphaltic binder course, 40mm asphaltic wearing course, excavation and construction of reinforced trapezoidal concrete-lined drains, and installation of median barriers and guardrails. Key milestones achieved on the project are the completion of milling, pulverization, and compaction along the 43.1km alignment, full provision of stone base, binder, and wearing courses, and concrete shoulders on major sections of the carriageway. Also, significant portions of the median trapezoidal-lined drains, and the
The installation and painting of concrete median barriers and guardrails across extensive stretches have been completed.
The contractor mobilised to the site immediately after the contract was awarded, with an initial 30-month completion timeline ending in June, 2026. However, given the accelerated pace of work, the project is expected to be delivered within the next few weeks.
Engr. Usman noted that while the main carriageway has been completed, ancillary works such as median drains, side drains, and capstone are ongoing. Additionally, in line with the directive of the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, innovative construction methods have been adopted, including in-situ casting of capstone for enhanced durability and the introduction of rigid shoulders to safeguard the carriageway and prolong its lifespan. Two flyovers have also been incorporated to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along the busy corridor connecting the FCT with Nasarawa State.
The Project Manager, CHEC, Engr. Amadu Ruben, assured that the road is being constructed to last between 50 and 100 years, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Engr. Usman further disclosed that a separate 40-kilometre rehabilitation project on the Abuja-bound carriageway being handled by JRB Construction Limited is progressing satisfactorily. The scope of work involves milling the existing asphalt surface, cement stabilization, and application of binder and wearing courses. Approximately 10 kilometres have been completed up to binder level, with full completion expected within the next six months.
A road user, Mr. Matthew Daniel, commended the Federal Government for addressing long-standing challenges along the corridor, noting that the improvements have significantly reduced travel time, revitalised economic activities, and encouraged residents, who had relocated due to congestion and poor road conditions to return.
Abuja–Kaduna Expressway
The Federal Controller Engr. Usman explained that following the termination of the previous contract due to poor performance and the effluxion of time, the project was re-awarded to Infiouest International Limited under the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Renaissance. The project was redesigned from an asphaltic pavement to a continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) to guarantee long-term performance, considering its strategic importance as a major economic artery linking the North-West and the North East zones to Abuja and the Southern part of the country.
The Engineering Representative of the project, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu, confirmed substantial progress across multiple sections, with completed asphalt stretches and ongoing concrete pavement works. He reported that Section I (Tungar Maje – Jere) of the project in the FCT and Kaduna State is scheduled for completion by the end of April, with day and night shifts being deployed.
Senior Project Manager, Mr. Robert Turner, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality and timely delivery, emphasising the road’s significance in enhancing mobility, trade, and national integration.
Commissioning of Emergency Repairs and Special Intervention Projects
The Limited Rehabilitation of Child Care Trust Road in Bwari, the Construction of Roads and Drainages at Flood Prone Areas of CRD, and Winner’s at Airport Road in Lugbe
and the Construction of 5 Adjoining Roads in Gwagwalada was commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, on behalf of the Minister.
The rehabilitation of a 1.1-kilometre road in the Bwari Area Council, the FCT commenced in 2024 and was completed the same year by Gerawa Global Engineering Limited. The project involved preliminary site clearance to prepare the area for construction activities. This was followed by the filling of the carriageway to the approved cross-section to ensure proper road alignment and structural stability. Then, the scarification of the existing bituminous surface to facilitate rehabilitation and improve bonding for subsequent layers. In addition, excavation of line drains and culverts was carried out, as directed, to enhance the effective passage of water along the corridor. To also support water flow management, the project provided 900-milimetre diameter concrete pipe culverts, as well as reinforced trapezoidal concrete line drains, ensuring adequate drainage infrastructure and improved durability of the road.
The construction of roads and drainage in flood-prone areas of Lugbe was done by Messrs Next Level Modern Innovative Engineering & Technology Limited. It included scarification of failed sections, desilting of drains, construction of reinforced concrete box culverts with wing walls, aprons, and toe beams, provision of kerbs, stone pitching, laterite subgrade and sub base, crushed stone base, prime coat, and 50mm asphaltic wearing course.
Comrade Ike assured that the media would continue to report objectively, acknowledging government achievements, while holding institutions and personalities accountable. She emphasised that well-constructed and maintained roads significantly enhance safety, commerce, and citizens’ overall well-being.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, reiterated that the ongoing projects underscore the administration’s strategic focus on infrastructure renewal as a foundation for national development. He assured Nigerians of the Ministry’s continued monitoring, strict quality assurance processes, and commitment to the timely delivery of all projects. “The Federal Ministry of Works remains steadfast in its mission to provide resilient, world-class road infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.”
