Tinubu, China Company applauded Over speedy construction of Shabu–Lafia–Makurdi Bypass

From Abel Zwanke , Lafia

The Federal Government has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the completion of the Shabu–Lafia–Makurdi Federal Highway bypass project in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

 Also, China Harbour Engineering Company was applauded for keeping to its promise of delivering the project within record time.

The commendation was conveyed on Thursday during a media tour of the project site where the Federal Controller of Works, Manri Ishaku, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work executed so far.

Ishaku explained that the bypass project, which cuts across Shabu in Lafia and connects motorists to the highway leading to Makurdi in Benue State, was initially started during the previous administration but was later abandoned before the present government revived it.

According to him, President Tinubu demonstrated strong political will by approving the completion of the road shortly after the project was brought before him.

“This is a project that started during the last administration but was abandoned. However, when it was presented to Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he gave the nod for its completion,” he said.

“In less than one year after the approval, the project is already nearing completion. This shows the commitment of the present administration to infrastructure development across the country.”

He also commended the contractor handling the project, noting that the company had demonstrated professionalism and reliability in executing the work.

“The contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, has kept to its promise. From what we have seen so far, the company can be trusted to deliver projects according to specification and within schedule,” he added.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Works in Nasarawa State said the state government remained committed to supporting federal infrastructure projects within the state, noting that the bypass would significantly reduce traffic congestion within Lafia and improve connectivity between Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

According to him, the state government provided the necessary support and enabling environment to ensure smooth execution of the project.

“This road is very strategic to the people of Nasarawa State and the North Central region because it will ease traffic within Lafia and enhance the movement of goods and services,” the commissioner said.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for prioritising the project and the contractor for the speed and quality of work recorded so far.”

On his part, the Site Engineer of China Harbour Engineering Company, Tijani, Olalekan gave an overview of the progress made on the project, stating that construction had reached an advanced stage.

According to him, the contract duration for the project was initially 48 months, but significant progress had already been achieved within a much shorter period.

“The contract period for this project is 48 months, but we have been able to complete about 92 per cent of the work within 24 months,” he said.

“We’ll substantially complete the wearing course next week.”

He expressed optimism that the entire project would be fully completed and ready for commissioning by April 2026.

Tijani thanked the Federal Ministry of Works for the confidence reposed in the company, while also appreciating the Nasarawa State Government for providing a conducive environment that facilitated smooth execution of the project.

“We want to thank the Ministry of Works for believing in our company and giving us the opportunity to handle this important project,” he said.

“We also appreciate the Commissioner for Works and the Nasarawa State Government for ensuring an enabling environment that has made our work easier.”

The Shabu–Lafia–Makurdi bypass is expected to play a significant role in reducing traffic congestion within Lafia and improving transportation along the strategic corridor linking Nasarawa and Benue states once completed and commissioned.