Motorists and commuters along the Abuja-Keffi corridor may soon heave a sigh of relief as Nasarawa State’s N44 billion Mararaba flyover targets completion by year-end.
The Nasarawa State Government disclosed this during an inspection tour of projects across the state by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The team, led by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson, embarked on a five-day inspection tour of infrastructure projects across Benue and Nasarawa states.
Addressing the team at the project site, Alhaji Wada Mohammed, Managing Director, Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency (NSUDA), assured that the project would be delivered by year-end.
Mohammed said the project was initially awarded at N11.1 billion with an 18-month completion period, but subsequent adjustments increased its scope and overall cost.
He said the project required increased bridge height to provide adequate headroom for high vehicles, alongside extensions to the entry and exit ramps.
He added that the state government had paid more than N600 million in compensation to owners of properties affected by the project.
According to him, the 2.6-kilometre project comprises a continuous flyover, two pedestrian flyover bridges and five pedestrian bridges to facilitate safe crossings.
He said the permanent works would cost almost N40 billion, while compensation and road furniture, including markings, signage and streetlights, would raise the total cost to about N44 billion.
Mr Mohammed said the project was designed as a lasting solution to Mararaba’s longstanding traffic challenges without disrupting business activities in the area.
He said the completed project was expected to reduce travel time between Abuja and Keffi from more than two hours to less than 40 minutes.
The NSUDA boss attributed the accelerated construction schedule to the capacity and commitment of the contractor and the state government’s prompt payment of certificates.
He said the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, had consistently approved funds for certified works without delay, enabling the contractor to maintain the construction pace.
Mr Mohammed said improved federal allocations had enabled the state government to undertake the project, in spite of Nasarawa being among states receiving the least funds from the federation.
He, however, expressed hope that the Federal Government would reimburse the state for its expenditure on the project as soon as possible.
NAN reports that Mararaba, immediately outside Abuja, is one of the busiest points on the Abuja-Keffi corridor, where motorists previously endured prolonged gridlock, delays, fuel wastage and stress.
The old Mararaba bridge was demolished between late 2025 and early 2026, while the ongoing construction has temporarily worsened congestion through diversions, restricted movement, dust and delays.
Recall that on Aug. 5, the team travelled about 37 kilometres from the Federal Secretariat to Ado Village in approximately one hour and 20 minutes because of construction activities.
The journey from Ado Village to Makurdi, about 300 kilometres away, took approximately four and a half hours, highlighting the contrast in travel conditions along the corridor.
When completed, the flyover is expected to decongest Mararaba, improve road safety and connectivity, support economic activities and provide lasting relief to thousands of commuters.