Minister of Works Withdraws China Harbour Company from Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi Road Project Over Contract Non-Compliance

opeolumartinOctober 12, 202503 mins

Abuja, October 12, 2025

The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, has officially withdrawn the services of China Harbour Engineering Company from the second carriageway construction of the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi road project. The decision was announced today in Abuja due to the company’s failure to comply with the contract design and specific instructions issued by the Ministry of Works.

The Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi road is a critical artery in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State, vital for enhancing transportation and economic activities. The second carriageway construction, which is intended to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety, had been entrusted to China Harbour Company. However, the contractor reportedly deviated from the agreed project specifications, leading to concerns over quality and safety standards.

Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Umahi emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to upholding project integrity and delivering infrastructure that meets national standards. “We cannot compromise on quality and adherence to contractual obligations. The decision to withdraw China Harbour Company’s services was necessary to protect the interest of the Nigerian people and ensure the road is completed to specification,” he stated.
In a move to expedite progress and restore confidence, the Minister directed the immediate mobilization of qualified local contractors to take over the responsibility of constructing the inner and outer shoulders of the carriageway. The Ministry insists the new contractors will use concrete for the shoulders to guarantee durability and longevity, aligning with the original project design.

“This transition to local contractors will not only promote indigenous participation in infrastructural development but also ensure timely completion of the project,” Umahi added.
The Ministry of Works has assured stakeholders and the public that all necessary measures will be taken to monitor the new contractors’ work and prevent any further deviation from the project’s technical and safety requirements.

This development marks a significant shift in the management of the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi road project, reflecting the Federal Government’s intensified focus on accountability, quality assurance, and local content integration in public works.