The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed China Harbour Engineering Company to complete and hand over the 43-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi Expressway on or before February 28, 2026, warning that the Federal Government will no longer tolerate delays or negligence on highway projects.
Umahi gave the directive on Friday during an inspection tour of the project corridor, expressing displeasure over repeated non-compliance with earlier instructions issued to the contractor and supervising officials of the ministry.
He ordered the construction firm to submit a comprehensive work timetable and a written commitment to meet the February deadline, noting that the ministry would closely monitor progress based on the submitted schedule.
The minister also directed the concreting of the road median and the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the entire stretch, while ordering the removal of hand-moulded caps already installed on the corridor.
“I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office on Wednesday with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then,” Umahi said.
He lamented that despite visiting the project site more than eight times, some directives had been ignored, adding that erring officials within the ministry would now face sanctions.
In a swift disciplinary move, Umahi ordered the immediate removal of the Federal Capital Territory Controller of Works, accusing the official of issuing fraudulent certificates that enabled payments for unexecuted jobs.
“Today, I am directing the Permanent Secretary to remove the Controller representing FCT with immediate effect and send him to my office. Another Controller should be redeployed immediately to take over,” he said.
The minister further alleged that the same official had previously certified palliative works that were not carried out, declaring that 2026 would be an “action year” for discipline within the ministry.
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“Nobody will be spared. Discipline, diligence and doing the work we are paid to do are our watchwords,” Umahi stated, adding that sanctions would not be reversed except by the President.
He warned contractors to strictly comply with ministry directives or risk denial of certificates and escalation to top management, stressing that the government was determined to enforce accountability.
Umahi also disclosed that the Mararaba–Keffi Road, which measures about 43.65 kilometres, is a major transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State, serving thousands of commuters and heavy-duty vehicles daily.
The project was initially awarded at N73 billion but was later redesigned to improve its structural integrity and durability. According to the minister, a first section of the expanded corridor — a 47.47-kilometre three-lane route — costs N1.067 trillion, translating to about N11.57 billion per kilometre, and includes flyovers, solar street lighting, shore protection, tree planting and reinforced retaining walls.
Umahi also inspected key locations along the alignment, including the Keffi flyover, during the tour.