The Federal Government has reassigned part of the ongoing Mararaba–Keffi Road reconstruction to local contractors after terminating China Harbour Engineering Company Limited’s control of the Abuja-bound section.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway on Saturday, citing poor performance and disregard for directives by the Chinese firm.
Umahi said new contractors would be mobilised immediately to work on both the inner and outer shoulders using reinforced concrete. “From tomorrow, local contractors will handle the inner and outer shoulders. Even if there are only two contractors, one will take each side,” he stated.
He expressed disappointment over the company’s “uncooperative attitude,” noting that China Harbour had repeatedly ignored instructions and failed to maintain the other carriageway.
“It took several interventions to make them act responsibly. Such indiscipline and disregard for public interest will no longer be tolerated,” Umahi said.
The minister also ordered that no contractor should lay binder or pavement without completing the shoulders, stressing that incomplete work leads to early road failure. He warned that payment certificates must not be issued for non-compliant projects.
Umahi outlined a stricter accountability policy, requiring all project controllers and zonal directors to report challenges directly to him within 24 hours. “Any official who fails to escalate problems promptly will be recalled,” he warned.
The redesigned plan for the road includes a 3.5 per cent cement-stabilised stone base, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and milled asphalt before binder application — a method expected to extend the road’s lifespan to 40 years.
The Mararaba–Keffi Road links the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa and other North-Central states. Initially awarded at ₦73bn, the project’s scope has been upgraded for durability.
Umahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and quality delivery, warning contractors against using political influence to avoid oversight. “If anyone in the Ministry asks for money, report it publicly. We will act decisively,” he said.
