Mararaba-Keffi Road: Umahi Sacks Controller, Sets Firm February 28 Handover Deadline
Declaring 2026 as an "Action Year" for the Federal Ministry of Works, the Honourable Minister, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, has ordered the immediate removal of senior ministry officials following an inspection of the Mararaba-Keffi Expressway.
During a Friday tour of the 43.65-kilometre corridor, the Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with both the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), and the ministry's supervising staff, citing uncoordinated delays and "fraudulent certification" of unexecuted works.
Disciplinary Sanctions: FCT Controller Removed
In a move to set an example for the new fiscal year, Umahi ordered the Permanent Secretary to immediately redeploy the Federal Controller of Works for the FCT.
The Minister accused the official of negligence and the issuance of fraudulent certificates that facilitated payments for palliative works and other project segments that were either incomplete or never executed.
"I am directing the Permanent Secretary to remove the Controller representing FCT with immediate effect and send him to my office to learn how to obey instructions," Umahi stated. "2026 will be an example of what doing this job looks like. Nobody will be spared; discipline is our watchword."
The February 28 Ultimatum
The Minister issued a final "riot act" to China Harbour Engineering Company, shifting the project's completion expectation from mid-2026 to a firm February 28, 2026 handover date.
To ensure compliance, the contractor has been directed to:
Submit a Work Timetable: A comprehensive schedule must be presented at the Minister's office by Wednesday.
Median Concreting: Immediate commencement of median concreting to replace outdated designs.
Solar Lighting: Installation of solar-powered streetlights across the entire 43km stretch.
Removal of Hand-Moulded Caps: Removal of all non-compliant hand-moulded caps along the road corridor.
Why the Mararaba-Keffi Road Matters
The Mararaba-Keffi Road is one of Nigeria’s most critical transport arteries, serving as the primary link between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State. It handles thousands of commuters daily, many of whom are civil servants. The project, which was redesigned to improve durability, currently costs approximately N11.57 billion per kilometre for the wider three-lane sections involving flyovers and reinforced retaining walls.
Expert Analysis: A Shift in Ministry Oversight
Industry experts view Umahi’s latest sanctions as a pivot toward stricter E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) within the Ministry of Works. By holding "internal" staff accountable rather than just blaming contractors, the Minister is signaling to the 2026 market that "business as usual" regarding project certificates is over.
