Abuja–Lokoja Road Reconstruction Hits Low 10% Completion as FG Warns Contractors
The Federal Government has directed contractors handling various sections of the Abuja–Lokoja road projects
During a high-level inspection on January 13, 2026, Dr Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central Region), expressed significant dissatisfaction with the pace of work, particularly on critical sections linking the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria.
A performance review of the ongoing contracts reveals a sharp contrast in execution across different sections. While some contractors have achieved near-completion, others remain far behind schedule:
Kotonkarfe–Abaji (Abuja-bound) Section: The reconstruction of this 47-kilometre stretch, handled by Messrs Trucrete Solutions Nigeria Ltd, stands at a disappointing 10.21% completion.
Lokoja–Ganaja Road: In contrast, Gitto Costruzioni General Nigeria Ltd has achieved 99.73% completion. This section utilized rigid concrete pavement technology and was awarded in October 2023.
Abuja–Lokoja Section 4A: Rehabilitation by Sailthrough Construction Ltd is currently at 22.40%.
Lokoja–Benin Road Section I (Obajana to Okene): Dualisation by CGC Nigeria Ltd has reached 38.04% completion.
Addressing Security and Funding Challenges
The Federal Government has moved to eliminate two of the primary excuses cited by contractors for the delays: insecurity and lack of capital. Dr Essiet confirmed that following a brigade approval, the military now provides 24/7 security along the construction corridors to protect personnel and equipment.
Regarding financial constraints, the Presidency reaffirmed that funding is available through the Renewed Hope Intervention Fund. Dr Essiet emphasized that contracts were awarded based on the technical and financial capacity of the firms involved, and the government is maintaining a "payment-by-milestone" model. "Funding is no excuse for delays," Essiet stated, "The President will release funds, but you must accelerate work."
Intervention in Flood-Prone Areas
In a related development, the government has inaugurated an emergency flood intervention at Kilometre 27 on the Itobe-Anyingba Road in Kogi State. According to Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, this project is part of 260 nationwide emergency interventions approved to rectify the dilapidated road conditions inherited in 2023. These emergency projects are reportedly 100% complete and fully open to traffic.
Contractor Concerns and Government Response
Contractors cited several factors for the sluggish pace, including:
Historical funding delays and unpaid certificates.
Logistical difficulties in site access.
Complex traffic management on high-volume corridors.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Patiko Musa, acknowledged these challenges but confirmed that the Ministry is reviewing requests for extensions and revised work schedules. He stressed that the priority remains the delivery of durable, long-term infrastructure using rigid pavement technology, which is expected to last between 50 to 100 years.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s latest push for the Abuja–Lokoja road project highlights a zero-tolerance policy toward underperformance. By resolving security bottlenecks and ensuring structured funding, the administration has placed the burden of delivery solely on the contractors. As the April 2026 commissioning target approaches for several sections, the Ministry of Works is expected to maintain rigorous oversight, with the potential for further contract terminations if milestones are not achieved by the next quarter.
