The Federal Government has praised China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the successful execution of the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, describing the project as a demonstration of quality engineering and effective collaboration in infrastructure delivery.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the commendation on Saturday during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre highway, which connects the Federal Capital Territory with communities in Nasarawa State and serves as one of the busiest transportation corridors in the North-Central region.
The project, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was executed at a cost of N73.9 billion.
Speaking after assessing the work, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, noting that the road had reached technical completion and would soon be ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, CHEC demonstrated professionalism and commitment throughout the execution of the project despite challenges encountered during construction.
He particularly highlighted the company’s acceptance of engineering innovations introduced by the Ministry of Works, including the adoption of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible pavement on the carriageway.
Umahi explained that the design improvement would strengthen the road structure, reduce erosion-related damage and extend the lifespan of the highway, making it more durable and cost-effective over time.
He said the project represents the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising critical transport infrastructure and improving connectivity between Abuja and neighbouring states.
The minister noted that only a few finishing touches and corrective measures identified during the inspection remained before the road would be formally inaugurated.
He also commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for ongoing complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor, particularly the construction of flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow.
While praising the contractor’s performance, Umahi appealed for the release of outstanding funds due under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, stressing that President Tinubu had already approved the necessary payments.
He said timely settlement of contractual obligations was important to sustain confidence among contractors and ensure the smooth delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the country.
Providing a progress report, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Engr. Yakubu Usman, disclosed that the highway had attained 99.8 per cent completion.
According to him, the remaining works consist mainly of ancillary components such as kerb construction, drainage works and the installation of streetlights.
Usman described the project as a model for future road construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would help protect the pavement and improve the durability of the roadway.
In his remarks, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company, Wang Wenfei, thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support during the execution of the project.
He assured that the company would promptly address the observations raised during the inspection to ensure the road is fully prepared for commissioning.
Upon completion and inauguration, the upgraded Mararaba-Keffi highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities along the Abuja-Nasarawa corridor.
