FG extends Keffi-Toto Road to 199km, assures 50-year durability
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The Federal Government has approved the extension of the ongoing Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto Road project to Abaji, in the Federal Capital Territory, bringing the total length of the corridor to 199 kilometres.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Nasarawa State on Saturday, accompanied by the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, and top officials of the ministry.
According to Umahi, President Bola Tinubu granted approval for the extension as part of efforts to improve interstate connectivity and ease vehicular movement between the North-Central states and the FCT.
“Mr President approved the extension of this road to Abaji because it’s a critical economic corridor linking Nasarawa, Kogi and the FCT,” Umahi said.
He explained that the project, which initially covered about 180 kilometres, would now stretch to 199 kilometres, covering additional sections that are strategic for commerce and national integration.
The Minister revealed that the project would be executed in phases, with Phase One covering seven kilometres already having budgetary provision and currently under procurement. The second phase, covering the remaining 130 kilometres, will commence thereafter.
Umahi said the Federal Government was adopting a new and more durable construction technique expected to give the road a lifespan of at least 50 years.
He detailed that the method involves excavating failed sections, refilling with sharp sand and laterite, stabilising with between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent cement, and compacting with a stone base before traffic exposure to aid consolidation.
“For the shoulders, we will excavate 20 centimetres, compact, refill with a stone base in two layers of 10 centimetres each, and stabilise with 3.5 per cent cement,” he explained.
“After that, we will mill four centimetres of the existing wearing course, mix it with fresh stone base, and compact it again before applying the binder and wearing course.”
Umahi stressed that the process would prevent water from penetrating the pavement, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting surface for motorists.
The Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road forms part of a major inter-regional corridor linking the North-Central zone to the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi State. The corridor also connects agricultural belts and emerging industrial zones, making it a vital artery for logistics, mining, and trade.
The extension to Abaji is expected to reduce travel time between Nasarawa and the FCT, decongest traffic on the Abuja–Lokoja Highway, and open new investment opportunities along the corridor.The Federal Government has also intensified supervision of ongoing projects nationwide, with Umahi leading a series of unscheduled inspections to enforce adherence to engineering standards and project timelines.
During the inspection, Umahi also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba–Keffi dual carriageway, handled by China Harbour Engineering Company.
He announced plans to revoke the contract for the Abuja-bound carriageway, citing repeated warnings and failure to meet engineering specifications.
“We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors who delay projects and ignore directives,” Umahi declared. “If by December 15, you do not finish your scope of work, I will terminate the entire contract. We must begin to trust and empower our local contractors who deliver with discipline and integrity.”
He directed that a local firm with a proven track record be mobilised to complete the remaining works, including the concrete shoulders, which have caused gridlock and hardship for motorists and residents along the corridor.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who accompanied Umahi, urged contractors to show greater commitment to timelines, saying the Tinubu administration would not compromise on quality or accountability.
Governor Sule, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu and the Ministry of Works for their interventions, particularly in repairing the damaged Keffi Flyover and expanding road access between Nasarawa and the FCT.
He described the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji corridor as critical to the state’s economy, adding that it serves as a major route for goods, services, and industrial operations, including the newly commissioned lithium processing factory, said to be the largest in Africa.
“This project will open up new economic opportunities for Nasarawa and its neighbours. It’s a lifeline for industries, farmers, and commuters who depend on this corridor daily,” Sule said.
According to Umahi, the original contract sum of N73bn covered only 43.65 kilometres, but following the President’s directive, the scope has now been reviewed and extended to 137 kilometres, reaching Abaji under a special funding arrangement.
He reaffirmed that all ongoing federal road projects would now adopt the revised engineering method statement, which includes complete milling of old pavements, reinforcement of subgrades with cement-stabilised stone base, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and improved drainage systems.
“No contractor, no matter how connected, will be allowed to compromise on quality. Mr. President has done his part by approving funding; it is now our duty to ensure delivery,” Umahi emphasised.
