FG advances commitment to strategic road projects across Nasarawa

The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is significantly advancing its commitment to national infrastructure development through strategic road projects across Nasarawa State.

This initiative, a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to bolster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the ease of movement for all Nigerians.

During a recent nationwide media tour and the commissioning of emergency and special intervention projects in Nasarawa State, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Works, underscored the administration’s dedication.

He highlighted that upon assuming office in May 2023, the current administration inherited 2,064 ongoing road projects, many of which were stalled due to funding challenges and an inherited debt burden of approximately ₦13 trillion.

In response, the Federal Government prioritized 260 emergency and special intervention projects nationwide.

These projects are specifically designed to address critical failures in federal roads and areas severely impacted by flooding and other natural disasters.
“These projects were initiated to quickly restore critical road and transport links to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services across the country,” Ahmed stated.

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, is spearheading these intervention projects, which are integral to the administration’s broader infrastructure development strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Key Project Commissioned: Agyaragu to Sabon Kwara RoadOne notable achievement during the tour was the commissioning of a 6-kilometre section of the road linking Agyaragu town to Sabon Kwara in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa South Senatorial District.
Constructed by A.A. Albasu (Nigeria) Limited, work commenced in November 2022 and was completed in November 2023. This section is part of a larger 10.5-kilometre corridor serving surrounding communities.

The comprehensive construction included earthworks, excavation and removal of existing culverts, provision of pipe culverts and lined drains, 200mm thick lateritic sub-base, 100mm thick crushed stone base, asphaltic concrete wearing course, surface dressing on shoulders, and lane markings.

Engr. Ishaku Mamri, the Federal Controller of Works in Nasarawa State, provided technical insights, noting that the road was previously in a deplorable condition, causing significant hardship for residents and traders.
The rehabilitated section now boasts a standard width of 7.3 metres with shoulders and approximately 4 km of drainage infrastructure, ensuring durability and effective water management.

Mamri confirmed that the road has been in use since its completion in 2023, significantly improving local movement, with residents expressing appreciation and appealing for the completion of the remaining 4 kilometres.Ongoing Developments: Lafia Bypass and Keffi–Nasarawan Toto–Abaji Road

The media tour also included a visit to the ongoing Lafia Bypass project, a 15.8-kilometre alternative route designed to alleviate traffic congestion within Lafia metropolis and provide a faster corridor for commuters traveling between Abuja, Makurdi, and the eastern parts of the country.
Engr. Tijani Olalekan, Project Engineer for Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), reported that the contract, previously stalled, fully recommenced in February 2024 and is now over 80 percent complete, with expected completion before year-end.

Further progress was observed at the Nasarawa–Toto axis, where rehabilitation works continue on the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto–Abaji road.

This strategic route aims to enhance connectivity between the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and neighboring states. The project, initially awarded in 2018, faced delays due but has gained renewed momentum.
The project has been restructured into phases, with Phase one nearing completion under the 2025–2026 budgetary provisions.

Phase 2, involving concrete pavement construction, is set to commence, with a recent approval of approximately ₦203 billion for 129.3 kilometres, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening national road infrastructure.

Future Outlook: Legacy Road Projects
The Director of Information and Public Relations reiterated that road infrastructure development remains a central pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly under the priority area focused on expanding and improving national infrastructure.
The administration is also advancing four (4) Legacy Road Projects: the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, and the Dualization of Akwanga–Jos– Bauchi –Gombe Road.

These ambitious projects, featuring concrete pavements, solar street lighting, and integrated railways, are designed to transform connectivity and stimulate economic development across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

This nationwide media tour serves to promote transparency, allowing journalists and professional bodies to verify the quality of ongoing works and enabling Nigerians to witness firsthand the progress in critical infrastructure delivery.

The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining momentum in road construction, reconstruction, expansion, and rehabilitation to support economic growth, national integration, and an improved quality of life for Nigerians.