FERMA repairs Abuja-Keffi Expressway after PUNCH report

The Ministry of Works through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency has awarded a contract for rehabilitating the Abuja-Keffi Expressway after months of lamentations by users of the road.

PUNCH Metro had on November 6 reported how an Abuja-based resident, Daniel Dafor, embarked on an act of community service, repairing parts of the expressway, specifically between the Nyanya checkpoint and Muhammadu Buhari International Market, using his funds.

An Abuja-based lawyer Vincent Adodo, had told our correspondent in a telephone conversation that he had previously alerted the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency about the dire state of the road.

Our correspondent on Sunday was told the project award was confirmed in a letter dated December 12, 2024, from the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency.

Adodo, who said he had been advocating the road’s repairs, told PUNCH Metro on Sunday, on the telephone, “We won.”

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Works has awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. The project, awarded to Messrs China Harbour Engineering Co. Nigeria Limited, was confirmed in a letter dated December 12, 2024, from the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency sent to me.”

The lawyer, who had consistently called for urgent repairs on the expressway, expressed relief at the development.

“This is a significant step forward for the thousands of commuters who had endured daily hardship on this road.

“It is unacceptable that people suffer so much just to go about their lives,” he said.

In September 2022, Adodo wrote to FERMA’s Managing Director highlighting the deteriorating condition of the road, particularly at the Abacha Road-Nyanya checkpoint area.

He described the situation as a violation of citizens’ rights and demanded immediate repairs.

When no action was taken, the lawyer renewed his demand in October, as the condition of the Mararaba-Nyanya area worsened.

He noted that the failed portions of the road were causing increased suffering for commuters.

“Reprieve finally came the way of thousands of commuters plying the road daily with the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the road to a contractor,” Adodo said excitedly.

The rehabilitation is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve safety along the busy route, which serves as a critical link between Abuja and neighbouring states.

Adodo urged public-spirited individuals and organisations to join him to monitor the progress of the project.