Minister directs contractors on Abuja-Keffi expressway to work at night, ease traffic

Bello Goronyo, minister of state for works, has directed contractors handling the Abuja-Keffi expressway reconstruction project to work at night to ease traffic congestion along the busy corridor.

Speaking during an inspection of the project site on Thursday, Goronyo said the measure is aimed at easing the hardship faced by many commuters who travel daily between Nasarawa 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.

He noted that the project, which started in December, covers 43.6 kilometres from the Keffi-bound section, adding that 41 kilometres have been completed up to Binder.

“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.

The minister said the government has directed the contractor to provide palliative measures and create an alternative route to allow smoother passage 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.

Goronyo warned that the ministry would not tolerate further delays, adding that the project is too important to Nigerians to be compromised.

“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.

On the timely delivery of the project, Goronyo insisted that the completion period is “sacrosanct” and must be adhered to.

He noted that while the Keffi-bound section had recorded significant progress, the Abuja-bound portion now requires intensified efforts to meet expectations.