The Federal Government has withdrawn the Abuja-bound carriageway of the ongoing Mararaba–Keffi Road reconstruction project from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited over poor performance and non-compliance with directives.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway, explaining that local contractors would now handle the affected section to ensure faster and higher-quality delivery.
According to him, the Chinese firm consistently failed to maintain sections of the road not under active construction despite several interventions from the Ministry.
“It took several interventions to get China Harbour to maintain the other carriageway they were not working on. This level of indiscipline and disregard for public interest will no longer be tolerated,” Umahi said.
He disclosed that from Sunday, local contractors would be mobilised to work on both the inner and outer shoulders using reinforced concrete.
“Even if there are only two contractors one will handle the inner shoulder and the other the outer shoulder,” he added.
Umahi further directed that no contractor should lay binder or pavement without completing the shoulders first, warning that payment certificates would not be issued for substandard works.
The Minister also cautioned ministry officials against negligence, stating that any officer who fails to report project challenges within 24 hours would be recalled.
“I take responsibility for not acting sooner. But going forward, every controller and zonal director must report problems directly to me,” he said.
He advised contractors to desist from lobbying or seeking political interference to avoid accountability, stressing that President Bola Tinubu had given him full backing to enforce reforms in the sector.
“When we correct contractors, they sometimes run to stakeholders to misrepresent the ministry. But let me be clear if anyone in the ministry asks you for money, report it publicly. We will protect this country’s interest,” Umahi stated.
Explaining the new construction approach, Umahi revealed that the redesigned method involves stabilising the base with 3.5 percent cement, constructing 20-centimetre-thick concrete shoulders, and milling existing asphalt before applying binder and wearing courses. He said the new design would guarantee a lifespan of at least 40 years.
The Mararaba–Keffi Road, one of the busiest routes linking the Federal Capital Territory to Nasarawa and other North-Central states, was initially awarded at ₦73 billion but has been reviewed to enhance its structural strength and durability.
Umahi further disclosed that the first section of the larger Abuja–Keffi corridor, spanning 47.47 kilometres, is valued at ₦1.067 trillion approximately ₦11.57 billion per kilometre and includes components such as flyovers, solar lighting, shore protection, tree planting, and reinforced retaining walls.
