The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road.
Umahi also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to deliver durable and world-class infrastructure across the country.
The Minister gave the commendation during an inspection tour of ongoing Federal Government road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Nasarawa State.
The Mararaba–Keffi Road project, which is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC, Ltd., is one of several strategic road projects under the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
According to the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohamed Ahmed, the minister also praised Messrs JRB Construction Company for the quality of work on the Full Emergency Rehabilitation of the Mararaba–Keffi Road, Abuja-bound carriageway.
He expressed confidence that the project would be completed ahead of its March 1, 2028 deadline, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights.
“This is highly commendable. The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion,” Umahi told the contractor during the inspection.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to end the era of abandoned and poorly executed infrastructure projects, stressing that contractors must strictly adhere to approved specifications, contractual obligations and directives issued by the ministry.
“If you encounter any difficulty, inform us immediately. The Federal Government remains committed to meeting its obligations, including timely payments. However, quality must never be compromised,” he said.
Umahi further directed contractors to complete all outstanding sections of the road before embarking on additional asphalt works, noting that unfinished stretches had undermined the success of several projects nationwide.
He emphasised that the ministry remains focused on delivering safe, durable and fully serviced infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades.
As part of the inspection tour, the minister also visited Section II of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road project being handled by Messrs Infiouest International Ltd., where he noted that outstanding works are scheduled for completion by November 12, 2026.
Lawmakers who joined the inspection, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh; Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; and the member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Sa’idu, commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining momentum in infrastructure development.
They described the road projects as critical investments that would boost economic growth, improve connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen national integration.
The Federal Controller of Works in the FCT, Engr. Mohammed Usman, also praised the minister’s hands-on leadership and consistent supervision, while commending contractors for maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress on the projects.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, lauded the administration’s investments in infrastructure and other people-oriented programmes aimed at improving economic prosperity and easing movement across the country.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of JRB Construction Company, Mr. Jamilu Ogunbola, said the firm’s involvement in the Abuja–Keffi Road project demonstrates the growing capacity of indigenous construction companies to execute complex infrastructure projects in line with global standards and best practices.
