Umahi Commends CHEC, Appeals For Release Of Project Funds

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality execution of the Mararaba–Keffi Road reconstruction and expansion project, while urging the prompt release of outstanding funds approved for the project.

Umahi made the appeal during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre highway on Saturday, describing the project as technically completed and ready for commissioning.

The project, awarded in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was executed at a contract sum of N73.9 billion.

The road links the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State and is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and boost economic activity along the corridor.

Expressing satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, Umahi said only minor observations remained before commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are very happy with China Harbour. They have done a very good job. Today, the job is technically completed and ready for commissioning. The few observations we have made will be addressed before then,” he said.

He explained that the ministry introduced design adjustments, including rigid concrete shoulders and flexible pavement carriageways, to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.

According to him, the innovation would prevent erosion-related damage and pavement edge failures common on major highways.

Despite the progress, Umahi disclosed that the federal government still owed the contractor under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Tax Credit Scheme.

He appealed for the immediate release of approved funds, noting that President Tinubu had directed settlement of all outstanding obligations under the scheme.

“We are owing the contractor quite a lot on this project. The President has approved the payment, and I appeal that the funds be released promptly,” he said.

Umahi stressed that road infrastructure remains critical to economic development and national security, while commending Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for complementary projects along the corridor.

He also directed contractors on adjoining projects to adopt night-time construction to reduce disruption to commuters.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Yakubu Usman, said the project had reached 99.8 per cent completion, with only minor works such as kerbs, U-drains and streetlights remaining.

He described the project as a model for future federal road infrastructure, citing the use of rigid concrete shoulders as a major innovation.

Chairman of CHEC, Wang Wenfei, thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works for their support, pledging to address all observations raised during inspection.

The Mararaba–Keffi Road remains one of the busiest transport corridors in North-Central Nigeria, serving thousands of commuters daily between Abuja and neighbouring states.