North-Central Road Projects Gain Momentum as Umahi Intensifies Inspection, Reaffirms Commitment to Fast-track Delivery
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to fast-track the delivery of critical road infrastructure across the North-Central region as the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing projects during an extensive inspection tour of key highways in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State.
The report was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by Mohamed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations, on June 6, 2026.
Leading the inspection of several strategic federal road projects, Umahi commended contractors handling the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Road and other critical transport corridors, describing the progress recorded so far as encouraging and reflective of the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure development.
The Minister specifically lauded China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd., contractor for the Mararaba–Keffi (Keffi-bound) carriageway, as well as JRB Construction Company, which is handling the emergency rehabilitation of the Abuja-bound section of the highway.
“This is highly commendable. The quality of work is evident, and I encourage you to sustain this standard through to completion,” Umahi told the contractors during the inspection.
He expressed confidence that the Abuja-bound rehabilitation project would be completed ahead of its scheduled March 1, 2028 deadline, noting that the project also includes ancillary infrastructure such as solar-powered street lighting.
Umahi emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ending the era of abandoned and poorly executed infrastructure projects, stressing that contractors must adhere strictly to approved specifications and contractual obligations.
“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.
The Minister further directed contractors to complete all unfinished sections of the roads before embarking on additional asphalt works, warning that delays arising from incomplete stretches had undermined several projects nationwide.
According to him, the Ministry’s priority is to deliver durable, safe and fully serviced road infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades.
As part of the inspection tour, Umahi also visited Section II of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Highway being executed by Infiouest International Ltd., where he noted that outstanding works are expected to be completed by November 12, 2026.
Lawmakers overseeing infrastructure development also praised the pace of work on the projects.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, alongside the member representing Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Sa’idu, commended President Tinubu for what they described as renewed momentum in infrastructure delivery across the country.
The lawmakers described the projects as strategic investments that would boost economic growth, improve connectivity, facilitate trade and commerce, and strengthen national integration.
They pledged continued legislative support and oversight to ensure timely completion of the projects.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in the FCT, Engr. Mohammed Usman, praised the commitment demonstrated by contractors and commended Umahi’s hands-on leadership style.
He noted that consistent supervision by the Minister has helped maintain quality standards and accelerated progress on ongoing projects.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, said the projects underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustained investments in infrastructure and other people-oriented programmes.
In his remarks, Managing Director of JRB Construction Company, Mr. Jamilu Ogunbola, said the firm’s involvement in the Abuja–Keffi Road project reflects the growing capacity of indigenous construction companies to execute complex infrastructure projects in line with global standards and best practices.
The inspection tour, according to the Ministry, further demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure the timely completion of critical road projects nationwide in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ministry reiterated that sustained infrastructure development remains central to national transformation, economic growth, social cohesion and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
