The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for strides in road infrastructure development and commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for promoting transparency in project execution.
Chairperson of the NUJ, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, gave the commendation after a media tour of ongoing federal road projects, including the Nyanya–Mararaba–Keffi corridor linking the FCT to Nasarawa State.
Ike described the expansion of the long-congested corridor as a strong signal of the administration’s resolve to tackle critical infrastructure deficits and ease commuter hardship.
She noted that the minister’s decision to invite journalists for an on-the-spot assessment demonstrated openness and accountability in governance.
“This is the first time I have seen somebody say, ‘Go and check my work and give a report.’ This is openness. We will report objectively,” she said.
Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said the tour was designed to give journalists firsthand insight into the progress of the projects, noting that infrastructure and transportation remain key priorities of the Tinubu administration.
Providing updates, Federal Controller of Works (FCT), Yakubu Usman, said the 43.65-kilometre project was awarded in 2023 with a 30-month completion timeline and a target delivery date of June 2026.
He disclosed that over 90 per cent of the project had been completed, with the main carriageway finished, while ancillary works such as median drains, side drains and capstones remain outstanding.
Usman added that although the official completion date is June 2026, the ministry is optimistic the project could be substantially delivered within weeks if the current pace is maintained.
He also revealed that the Nasarawa State Government proposed flyovers at two points along the corridor to further ease congestion, and the proposal has been approved.
Representatives of the contracting firms confirmed significant progress. Mr Ahmadu Reuben, Public Relations Officer of China Harbour Engineering Company, said approximately 43.15 kilometres had been completed, with only finishing works left.
Engineer Julian Njoku, Project Manager of JRB Construction Company Limited, said measures such as crash barriers and intensified night operations from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. had been adopted to manage traffic and accelerate construction.
Residents and commuters have welcomed the development, describing it as a major relief for businesses and daily road users along the busy corridor.