The Federal Government has directed contractors handling various sections of the Abuja–Lokoja Road corridor to accelerate construction and meet project deadlines, following concerns over slow progress on critical segments.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reconstruction of the 47km Kotonkarfe–Abaji (Abuja-bound) section by Trucrete Solutions Nigeria Ltd. stands at just 10.21% completion, while Abuja–Lokoja Section 4A, handled by Sailthrough Construction Ltd., is 22.40% complete.
In contrast, repairs on the Lokoja–Ganaja Road, awarded to Gitto Costruzioni General Nigeria Ltd. in October 2023, have reached 99.73% completion, while the dualisation of Lokoja–Benin Road Section I (Obajana Junction to Okene) by CGC Nigeria Ltd. is at 38.04%.
During an inspection, Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), described the road as a vital link between northern and southern Nigeria but expressed disappointment with the pace of work.
She stressed that funding would not be accepted as an excuse, assuring contractors of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure financing through structured payments, including the Renewed Hope Intervention Fund.
Contractors cited challenges such as funding delays, unpaid certificates, insecurity, traffic management issues, and limited site access, though the government confirmed that security concerns have been addressed with 24/7 military protection.
Controller of Works Patiko Musa acknowledged delays but said progress continues across multiple sections, with contractors’ requests for extensions and payments under review.
In a related development, the inspection team inaugurated an emergency flood intervention project at kilometre 27 of the Itobe–Anyingba Road in Kogi State—part of 260 nationwide emergency road projects approved by the Tinubu administration, all reportedly completed and reopened to traffic.
