China Harbour Targets June 2026 Completion for N73.8bn Maraba–Keffi Road

China Harbour Engineering Company has assured that the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Maraba–Keffi Road will be completed by June 2026.

The N73.8 billion project, awarded on April 19, 2026, under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, has a 30-month completion timeline.

Project Manager of China Harbour, Engr. Ahmadu Reuben, gave the assurance during an inspection tour on Tuesday. He stated that the 43.65-kilometre stretch meets required engineering standards and commended the Federal Ministry of Works for maintaining strict quality benchmarks aimed at ensuring durability.

According to project data, N35.8 billion of the total contract sum has so far been certified, while N37.9 billion representing 51 per cent awaits approval. An advance payment of N15.8 billion has been made, with N9.3 billion already recovered.

The document further shows that the project has reached 90 per cent completion, with 87 per cent of the contract time already elapsed.

Scope of Work

The project covers site clearance, scarification and pulverisation of the existing stone base and asphaltic layers, cut-to-fill and borrow-to-fill to approved cross-sections, and the laying of a 200-millimetre stone base on the carriageway and 100 millimetres on the shoulders.

Other components include the laying of a 60-millimetre asphaltic concrete binder course, a 40-millimetre asphaltic concrete wearing course, and the excavation and construction of trapezoidal reinforced concrete-lined drains.

Challenges

The report identified key challenges affecting the project, including heavy and chaotic traffic at the Maraba axis, overspeeding and disregard for warning signs, as well as delays in payment for certified works.

Earlier, the Director of Information and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, said the project was designed to decongest the often chaotic Maraba corridor and stimulate socio-economic development in the area.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu places high priority on road infrastructure nationwide. He added that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, maintains zero tolerance for substandard execution as part of efforts to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.