The federal government has directed companies involved in the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to start working during nighttime hours in order to reduce the daily traffic congestion experienced by thousands of people traveling along this essential road into the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of State for Public Works, Bello Goronyo, issued the instruction on Thursday while inspecting the project, stating that the action was required due to increasing traffic jams, particularly in the Nyanya-Maraba area.
He also reemphasized its dedication to finishing the current Abuja-Keffi road renovation project by the scheduled deadline of December 2026.
The Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway, one of the most heavily used access routes into Abuja, acts as a vital link for thousands of government workers, merchants, and locals traveling daily from Nasarawa State and nearby areas into the FCT.
For many years, the road has suffered from traffic congestion, flooding, and inadequate drainage, causing ongoing annoyance.
Goronyo stated that although notable advancements had been made on the Keffi-bound part, a three-kilometre segment of the Abuja-bound road posed a major issue because of flooding and water accumulation.
Goronyo stated that the government is aware of the challenges faced by commuters and has consequently directed the contractor to implement urgent actions, such as working during nighttime, to reduce the difficulties experienced by those using the roads.
As you know, this project began in December 2024 and is expected to be finished by a set deadline. It involves a 43.6-kilometre road heading towards Keffi. So far, 41 kilometres have been finished up to Binder, which represents 50 per cent progress.
This problematic region, as I mentioned, is exactly three kilometers, and we have recognized that a significant amount of water is inundating this three-kilometer stretch from this location. Many individuals from the Keffi and Nyanya corridor are facing various challenges when entering Abuja city.
We promptly instructed the contractor managing this project to implement temporary solutions and to establish a path through which you can pass the water, ensuring a smoother route so that passengers and commuters traveling this way can enjoy easier access.
"But we can't do it in the afternoon or the morning. So, we instructed the contractor to focus on this task at night so that we can complete it on time, ensuring easier travel for people. However, this can't be done during the day without increasing traffic congestion. Therefore, the contractor needs to concentrate on nighttime construction to achieve quick results," the minister stated.
He emphasized that the completion timeline is sacred, cautioning that the government would not accept any postponements.
The deadline of December 2026 is non-negotiable. This road holds great significance for Nigerians, leaving no room for justifications. The contractor is required to fully commit and guarantee on-time completion.
"We have come as a ministry, along with the controller, the acting director of the North Central Zone, and the contractor, to evaluate the progress of the work and provide clear instructions that we do not want to witness this ongoing delay," Goronyo said.
The initiative, covering 43.6 kilometers, will require a total investment of N73.9 billion, and is being carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
It is supported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and received approval in April 2023. Work commenced in December 2023, with an original target completion date set for May 2026, although the ministry remains determined that it should be finished before the December 2026 deadline.
Of the entire stretch, 41 kilometers on the Keffi-bound portion have been finished, marking 50 per cent of the work done.
Alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Works and representatives of the construction company, the minister pledged that the government would enhance oversight to enable passengers to experience improvement.
From his side, Dong Hong, the Project Manager at China Harbour, assured that the company would adhere to the deadline.
"We are sure we can complete this project on time and provide the best possible quality. A significant portion of our work is currently being carried out during the night to achieve the goal," he stated.
The Abuja-Keffi expressway is among various significant road initiatives being carried out under the tax credit program, a system designed to promote private sector investment in essential infrastructure.
As Abuja grows, traffic levels are anticipated to increase even more, according to government officials, who emphasize that finishing the project on schedule is essential to alleviating the daily challenges faced by thousands of drivers.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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