The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the Abuja (Mararaba)-Keffi Section of the Dual Carriageway, giving the contractor, China Habour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited up till June 2026 to deliver the project.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Olufunsho Adebiyi and other officials, gave the date after the inspection of the road in Abuja.
Goronyo explained that the project constitutes Section I of the contract, which spans 43.65 kilometres on one side and totals 87.3 kilometres for both carriageways.
According to him, 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.
He expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work, having achieved 42 percent completion, reminding the contractor the government remained optimistic that by the June 2026 dateline, the project would be completed.
While assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering life-transforming infrastructure that will enhance economic growth, he maintained that the road will improve regional connectivity, and enhance the quality of life.
“Our goal is to ensure that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt is completed by June 2026. We appreciate Mr. President for prioritising on this critical infrastructure that would significantly grow the national economy and facilitate the movement of goods and services.”
Goronyo further assured that funding will not hinder the project’s execution as “This is a priority project under a special funding arrangement. Once certified payment claims are submitted, the Ministry is ready to process and disburse funds without delay.”
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman provided a technical update on the project, featuring 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, “We have done the site clearing, and scarification, while the stone base and binder coarse are at 80 percent completion. We are also advancing work on the median drains and rigid shoulders.”
Acknowledging challenges posed by high traffic and densely populated areas along the corridor, Usman said they are partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic while carrying out their job.
He however informed the audience that the contractor has resorted to working only at night in critical areas to minimise disturbances to public activities during the daytime.
Also, the Project Manager, China Habour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), 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.