The federal government has allocated N73.9 billion for the completion of the Maraba-Keffi Road project, focusing on its reconstruction and expansion.
This project will be executed by CHEC Nigeria Limited with a targeted completion date set for June 2026, providing a 13-month timeline.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo made these announcements during an inspection of the ongoing expansion work on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Saturday.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the project, emphasizing its significance in alleviating transportation challenges along the corridor, which intersects multiple states.
Goronyo reported that progress is being made on several segments, including the completed stretch from Keffi to Makurdi, while the Mararaba-Keffi section is currently in progress.
Ongoing works from Makurdi to Enugu are also on track, he stated and expressed optimism that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt should be completed by June next year.
The minister highlighted that the federal government is strategically opening corridors to enhance the movement of goods and services, which is expected to reduce transit times and offer various economic benefits.
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Notably, he revealed that since the contract was awarded in June 2023, with a stipulated completion period of 30 months, substantial progress has been made, with the project reported to be at 42 percent completion.
Goronyo noted that the ministry is currently awaiting the contractor’s certification to facilitate the release of additional funds for the project and indicated the intention to explore options for expanding the road’s lanes to better serve the public.
Addressing the challenges faced, Mr. Ronald Liao, CHEC’s Commercial Manager, acknowledged that the road is projected to achieve a 56 percent completion benchmark by the end of the month.
He attributed delays to significant traffic congestion along the corridor, particularly the heavy flow from Masaka to Mararaba, necessitating night work to maintain productivity.
Liao expressed confidence that with collaboration from the ministry, site controllers, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the project will adhere to its timeline.
