Construction
By Angela Atabi
The Federal Government has urged contractors on the Abuja-Lokoja Road projects to accelerate their work and meet deadlines.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reconstruction of the 47-kilometre Kotonkarfe-Abaji (Abuja-bound) section by Messrs Trucrete Solutions Nigeria Ltd. stands at just 10.21 per cent completion.
In contrast, repairs on the Lokoja-Ganaja Road—awarded to Gitto Costruzioni General Nigeria Ltd. in October 2023 for a six-month period using concrete pavement—have reached 99.73 per cent.
Rehabilitation of Abuja-Lokoja Section 4A by Sailthrough Construction Ltd. is at 22.40 per cent, while dualisation of Lokoja-Benin Road Section I (Phases I and II), from Obajana Junction to Okene by CGC Nigeria Ltd., has achieved 38.04 per cent.
During an inspection, Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central Region), said the team was assessing progress and engaging communities.
She described the road as vital for linking North and South, but noted that despite contractors being on site, the pace remained disappointing.
“During the festive period, heavy traffic here prompted the Minister of Works to intervene and order the contractor to open the completed side,
“The progress is not encouraging. With just a few months to the deadline, they haven’t achieved much. I’m not impressed.”
She urged the Controller of Works and contractors to intensify efforts, deploy more equipment and manpower, and collaborate to complete the project on time.
Essiet also stressed better public communication, including prompt notifications to government and media about diversions or blockages.
The presidential aide assured contractors of President Bola Tinubu’s funding commitment via structured payments, including the Renewed Hope Intervention Fund.
“Funding is no excuse for delays—these contracts were awarded based on your capacity.
“The President will release funds, but you must accelerate work.”
Essiet commended security and traffic agencies like the Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for managing diversions.
She noted that contractors’ prior insecurity concerns have been resolved, with the military providing 24/7 security following brigade approval.
Contractors cited funding delays, insecurity, unpaid certificates, traffic management, and site access as key challenges hindering concrete placement.
Controller of Works Patiko Musa acknowledged progress but admitted delays, adding that work continues on multiple sections.
He said contractors’ requests for extensions, revised schedules, and payments are being addressed.In a related development,
Musa and the team inaugurated emergency flood intervention at kilometre 27 on the Itobe-Anyingba Road in Kogi State.
Director of Press and Public Relations Mohammed Ahmed explained it as one of 260 nationwide emergency federal road projects approved by the current administration to address poor conditions inherited in 2023—all now completed and open to traffic.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Lokoja Branch, community leaders, residents, and Kogi State Ministry of Works Permanent Secretary Abdussalam Seguir commended the interventions for improving traffic flow and travel times, while calling for sustained funding, better environmental management, and timely project completion.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
