Bello Goronyo, the minister of state for works, has ordered contractors handling the Abuja-Keffi expressway reconstruction to begin working at night in a bid to reduce the severe traffic congestion plaguing the corridor.
The directive came during an inspection of the project site on Thursday, where Goronyo acknowledged the daily suffering of thousands of commuters travelling between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The government understands the plight of commuters and has therefore ordered the contractor to adopt immediate measures, including night works, to ease the hardship faced by road users,” Goronyo said.
The minister explained that the project, which commenced in December, spans 43.6 kilometres on the Keffi-bound section, with 41 kilometres already completed up to Binder.
However, a troublesome three-kilometre stretch has become a nightmare for motorists, particularly due to flooding in the area.
“This trouble area, as I said, is precisely three kilometres, and we realised that there is a lot of water that is flooding these three kilometres from this area. Many people from the Keffi and Nyanya axis are experiencing numerous problems crossing into Abuja city,” he said.
Goronyo disclosed that the federal government has instructed the contractor to implement palliative measures and create an alternative route to ease movement for commuters.
“But we cannot do it in the afternoon or in the morning. So, we directed that the contractor should concentrate on doing this job at night so that we will be able to finish it in time, so that people will have ease of travel,” he added.
The minister issued a stern warning that the ministry would no longer tolerate delays, stressing that the project holds significant importance for Nigerians.
“Let me say very clearly that the contractor must ensure that he mobilises fully to this site to maintain this route because there is heavy traffic on this axis, and we’re not happy with the way and manner in which people are suffering on this route,” he said.
Regarding the project timeline, Goronyo insisted that the completion period is “sacrosanct” and must be strictly observed.
He noted that whilst the Keffi-bound section has made considerable progress, the Abuja-bound portion now requires increased attention to meet expectations.
The Abuja-Keffi expressway serves as a critical link between the nation’s capital and Nasarawa State, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. The ongoing reconstruction has, however, turned the route into a source of frustration for commuters, with many spending hours in gridlock.
