Tinubu Directs Immediate Start on Vital 137km Road After Years of Appeals

By Kure Tashilane

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, has expressed profound relief and gratitude as the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has given the directive for the immediate construction of the long-awaited 137km Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji road.

The Governor's joy was palpable as he joined the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the Senator representing Nasarawa West, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, to inspect the project site in Keffi. The inspection also covered the ongoing rehabilitation of the collapsed section of the Keffi overhead bridge.

Governor Sule thanked President Tinubu for finally "coming to the rescue of commuters" after years of persistent appeals. He highlighted the road's critical importance, as it leads to major lithium mining and processing facilities, including a 3000-ton-per-day factory slated for presidential commissioning.

"We commend the President for sending you. These two projects are major for us," Governor Sule stated, addressing Minister Umahi. "We thank Mr. President for this special directive."

The Governor shared a poignant reason for his personal involvement in the inspection, revealing, "A few days ago, because of the terrible state of this road, we had a very unfortunate accident involving a pregnant woman. That is why I am so happy the moment you mentioned that the contractor should begin work on Monday."

He also extended his appreciation to the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (I), and Senator Wadada for their pivotal roles in persuading the President to approve the project. "It is a road we have been talking about since the time of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. We thank Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making it possible for us to see this day," Sule added.

In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the project's scope has been significantly expanded. The original contract, covering the Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto stretch at a sum of ₦73 billion, has been reviewed and extended to a full 137km, reaching Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under a special funding arrangement directed by President Tinubu.

Senator Wadada commended the Minister as an “uncommon performer,” whose hands-on approach reflects the President's Renewed Hope Agenda. He also applauded President Tinubu for being "a leader for all.