FG flags off dualisation of 220km Keffi, Lafia- Makurdi road

The Federal government in collaboration with the Nasarawa state have flagged off the 220 kilometre dualisation of Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia to Makurdi, road.

The exercise which was held in Market, Kokona Local Government Area of the state, attracted many people from within and outside the state.

Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Barrister Babatunde Fashola, alongside the Nasarawa state Governor, Umaru Tanko A-Makura and representative of the Benue state Government collectively performed the opening ceremony.

The dualisation of the road which linked the Federal Capital Territory and six Eastern states has been in the plan and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari, led administration

which was contracted to a Chinese construction firm to the tune of over One hundred billion, six hundred and forty eight million, one hundred and seventy seven thousand, six hundred and sixty four kobo.

Speaking earlier, the minister Babatunde Fashola, revealed that the president’s visit to China on Diplomatic mission was not for fantasy, but to engaged experts who can tackle meaningful and lives changing projects that has direct bearing on the people,

which has resulted to the construction project aimed at enhancing the long suffering of motorists travelling from Abuja to Makurdi.

He further assured the Federal Government readiness in making sure that the construction of the road would be completed within 36 months.

The minister also cautioned those who are in the habit of criticising the administration of being slow, to be aware of the fact that the present government programmes are quicker in terms of achievements, that is why “We are result oriented and have began this huge projects within Three years,

which is faster than the Sixteen years of the past government of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also important to note that this is a road connecting people which would have formed their priority to link the people but was neglected.” He stated.

Accordingly, he said with the flag off of the road it would create massive job opportunities for residents along the cities that the road connects, which President Buhari has signed an executive order in that effect

that anywhere the road projects are ongoing, it must accommodate its citizens by engaging them to work as they are not foreigners.

Adding that the expansion work which will provides up to six lanes that would made it possible with the cooperation of the Land owners, Shops and Farmers which the expansion work would affect.

“So it is bending on the states governors to liaise with such owners for the purposes of actualising the dream of creating succour for roads users”. He added.

According to him, government has made provisions for settlements and compensation, which he said same co operation is needed so as to help the contractors commenced their work in due time.

On his part, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura while thanking the federal government drive towards easing up the long suffering of commuters and motorists on the Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia and Makurdi road, said apart from decongestion on the highway it would ease up the incessant cases of insecurity often recorded on the roads.

Governor Al-Makura who also appealed to the Federal government on the need for the completion of the Federal secretariat in Lafia said it would go a long way to promote productivity among the federal government civil servants in the state if the project is considered for completion.