Why FG Revoked Mararaba–Keffi Road Contract As Umahi Orders Local Firms to Take Over
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In a decisive move to uphold engineering integrity and accountability in Nigeria’s road infrastructure projects, the Federal Government has revoked the reconstruction and expansion contract of the Mararaba–Keffi dual carriageway previously awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced the revocation during an inspection visit to the site, citing the company’s persistent negligence, refusal to adhere to approved engineering designs, and failure to heed repeated government warnings.
According to Umahi, the Federal Government would henceforth engage local contractors with a proven record of excellence and compliance with project standards to handle the critical road project linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Nasarawa State.
“We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors who delay projects and ignore directives,” Umahi declared. “The hardship faced daily by motorists and residents along the Mararaba–Keffi corridor due to poor performance and slow work pace is unacceptable.”
The minister, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, senior directors of the ministry, and representatives of construction firms handling various federal projects, held a crucial meeting at the Keffi Flyover with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Wadata, state officials, and other stakeholders.
Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, high-quality roads built to global engineering standards that will serve Nigerians for decades.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to deliver world-class infrastructure that enhances mobility, economic growth, and public safety. Every contractor must align with this vision or step aside,” Umahi stated firmly.
The Mararaba–Keffi road, one of the busiest commuter routes connecting Abuja to major parts of the North Central region, has suffered chronic traffic congestion and safety challenges due to delayed reconstruction works. The Federal Government’s decision to revoke the contract is seen as a strong message to defaulting contractors nationwide.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has met with Minister Umahi to review progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, another strategic federal road project vital to Nigeria’s transport and economic network.
The high-level meeting, held in Abuja, focused on accelerating construction on the Abuja–Jere–Kaduna segment, a lifeline for millions of Nigerians who rely on the route for daily travel, trade, and logistics.
Governor Sani described the expressway as “a national artery essential to the socio-economic integration of Northern Nigeria.”
“This expressway is not just a road — it is an economic corridor connecting people, markets, and opportunities across Northern Nigeria and beyond,” Sani said, emphasizing its alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize infrastructure and boost national competitiveness.
Responding, Umahi commended the Kaduna governor’s hands-on leadership and commitment, pledging that the Federal Ministry of Works will ensure the project’s speedy yet quality completion. He revealed that contractors have been directed to work double shifts to fast-track progress without compromising standards.
The renewed federal drive to sanitize the construction sector and expedite ongoing road projects underscores the Tinubu administration’s resolve to restore transparency, efficiency, and value for money in Nigeria’s public works.
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Suggested Meta Description:
The Federal Government has revoked China Harbour Engineering’s contract for the Mararaba–Keffi road over negligence and faulty design. Minister Dave Umahi vows to engage capable local contractors and fast-track key road projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway.
