The Federal Government has withdrawn the Abuja-bound carriageway of the Mararaba–Keffi road reconstruction project from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, citing poor performance and persistent disregard for official directives.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, announced the decision during an inspection visit to the project site on Saturday, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Umahi stated that despite repeated interventions, the company consistently failed to maintain the alternative carriageway, prompting the government’s decision to reassign the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway to local contractors. The new contractors will be responsible for both the inner and outer shoulders of the road, which will now be constructed using rigid concrete pavement.
“I am disappointed with the Abuja-bound carriageway. The project was not initially taken away from China Harbour, but the company’s attitude has been uncooperative,” Umahi said. “Some contractors working on federal roads are not in partnership with the government; they are only interested in the money. It took several interventions to get China Harbour to maintain the other carriageway they were not working on. Therefore, the second carriageway going to Abuja is hereby withdrawn from them. From tomorrow, local contractors will be mobilised to handle the inner and outer shoulders using concrete.”
The minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he described as a pattern of negligence and poor quality of work, noting that payment certificates had been issued despite visible defects. He said such practices were unacceptable and warned that any contractor who operates with disregard for standards and safety will face sanctions.
Umahi further directed that all project sites must be kept free of potholes and defects, and that shoulders must be completed before the laying of binders or pavement. He also cautioned ministry controllers and directors to report any project irregularities within 24 hours or risk recall.
He called on state authorities to strengthen supervision, ensure contractors adhere to quality specifications, and report any observed deficiencies promptly to prevent further delays.
The Mararaba–Keffi dual carriageway is a key transport corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa and other North-Central states. The government’s move to reassign the Abuja-bound section to local contractors is aimed at accelerating progress and improving construction quality on the vital route.
