After years of neglect and worsening conditions, the Federal Ministry of Works has awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, a vital road that links the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Nasarawa State.
The announcement came after a human rights lawyer, Vincent Adodo, threatened legal action against the ministry over the road’s terrible state, which had turned it into a death trap for many commuters.
Adodo, who has been at the forefront of advocating for the road’s repair, had issued several demands for the government to fix the dilapidated road sections. His persistent efforts to get the authorities to act reached a climax in October 2024 when he issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which oversees the road’s maintenance.
“I am using this opportunity again to demand your good office to immediately, in accordance with its statutory mandate, commence the repairs of the road which is a Federal Government Road having connected the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State,” Adodo wrote in his letter to the FERMA Managing Director, emphasizing the importance of the road.
He further warned that failure to address the issue within seven days would force him to take legal action, stating, “In the event of the failure and/or negligence of your agency to heed my demand, I will not hesitate to institute legal action against your agency for its negligence in the performance of its statutory obligation.”
The contract for the road’s rehabilitation was finally awarded to Messrs China Harbour Engineering Co. Nigeria Limited, a construction company tasked with the job.
The award was communicated to Adodo by FERMA through a letter dated December 12, 2024, signed by Richard Clark, Esq., the agency’s Secretary/Director of Legal Services.
The news of the award came as a huge relief to the countless commuters who have suffered the hazardous road conditions for years. The Abuja-Keffi road, particularly the sections near Abacha Road and Nyanya Checkpoint, has been notorious for its poor condition. Potholes, traffic congestion, and a lack of proper road signs have made it dangerous, especially during the rainy season.
For years, the road has been a source of suffering for commuters, with many cars damaged and lives lost due to accidents. “This road has been a nightmare for everyone who uses it regularly. It has been in terrible condition for so long,” said Esther Adebayo, a commuter who travels between Abuja and Nasarawa State frequently.
In 2022, Adodo, frustrated with the slow response from authorities, sent a letter to the FERMA Managing Director, urging immediate repairs on the road. He highlighted the distress caused by the dilapidated road and its effect on the daily lives of commuters.
“This road is more than just an inconvenience; it is a danger,” Adodo had said in 2022. “People are suffering daily, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that it is safe to use.”
Despite these repeated requests, the situation continued to worsen, leading Adodo to escalate his campaign for the road’s rehabilitation. In September 2024, he again reached out to FERMA, demanding urgent repairs. He made it clear that legal action was imminent if the situation was not addressed immediately.
“My client has waited patiently for action, but now we are left with no choice but to take this matter to court,” said Adodo’s lawyer in an interview.
By October 2024, it became clear that FERMA had not taken significant steps to address the problem. Adodo’s firm stance and threats to file a lawsuit may have finally pushed the authorities into action.
The rehabilitation of the Abuja-Keffi road is expected to greatly improve the safety and comfort of commuters, who have long struggled with the road’s deteriorating conditions. It will also benefit those who travel between the FCT and Nasarawa State, reducing the risks of accidents and damage to vehicles.
The rehabilitation project is expected to include the resurfacing of damaged sections, the filling of potholes, and the installation of road signs. According to experts, this project will not only improve the quality of travel but also reduce the chances of road accidents significantly.
“Rehabilitating this road is a much-needed improvement for the thousands of people who travel on it every day,” said Dr. Bola Akinyemi, a transportation expert. “It will not only make the road safer, but it will also ease traffic congestion and reduce the wear and tear on vehicles.”
The Abuja-Keffi Expressway is one of the most important roads in the region, as it connects Abuja to Nasarawa State, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services between the two states.
