BY MOHAMMED MUSA

Residents and motorists in Nasarawa State are already feeling the relief that comes with good infrastructure, as the main construction of the Lafia bypass has been completed, slashing travel time through the state capital from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes.

The bypass, a critical section of the Keffi Road Phase II project, was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC, and its completion is quietly transforming local traffic conditions. Although the formal handover is still being prepared, many residents and drivers say the improvement in travel time and road environment is unmistakable.

For years, Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, has groaned under the weight of heavy transit traffic. As a major gateway linking Abuja to Makurdi and the eastern corridor, all long-haul vehicles had no choice but to crawl through the city centre. The result was predictable: congestion, wasted man-hours, higher fuel consumption, and increased safety risks for both residents and commuters.

However the story has changed.
Abdullahi Mohammed , a small shop owner in Lafia and a regular traveler on the route, captures the mood on the street. “It used to take about 45 minutes to pass through the city, especially when heavy trucks were on the road. Traffic jams and delays were common,” he said. “Now, with the completion of the Lafia bypass, it only takes about 15 minutes to get across. These past few days, the roads feel much smoother, and going out is more reassuring.”

The impact is even more direct for commercial drivers who earn their living on the road. A freight driver who spoke with our correspondent explained that the old route through the city was not just slow but costly. “Previously, vehicles had to pass through the city, which was time-consuming, increased fuel consumption, and posed safety risks,” he noted that, “now with the bypass, we save time and it’s safer. This is very important for those of us in transport because we save on fuel consumption and time spent on the road, which has greatly improved profitability.”

It is worthy of note that, Lafia has long endured heavy transit traffic pressure, with urban roads often congested during peak hours. The city’s status as an administrative and commercial hub means that local traffic already competes for limited road space. The hundreds of trailers and tankers heading to Benue, Cross River, and beyond, through Lafia put a lot of strain on Lafia’s inner roads.
With the completion of the bypass’s main works, transit vehicles will gradually be diverted, easing the burden on city traffic. The benefit goes beyond speed. Improved road conditions will also provide more efficient channels for agricultural product transport and daily goods circulation. Nasarawa is an agrarian state, and farmers along the corridor stand to gain from faster access to markets in Abuja and Makurdi. For residents, it means fresher produce, lower transport costs, and a tangible lift in quality of life.

The bypass is not just another road; it is a strategic intervention that had stalled for years before the current administration revived it. Delivering it required more than engineering skill, it demanded discipline, planning, and resilience.

Despite a complex security environment, the CHEC construction team advanced steadily by strengthening site management and optimizing construction organization. The company ensured the smooth completion of the section in record time, maintaining standards across earthworks, hydraulic structures, stone base, asphaltic concrete, and drainage.
The result is a road that meets specification and already delivers value before formal commissioning. Preparations for handover are now underway, and the bypass’s traffic relief function will gradually take effect. Industry observers note that CHEC’s ability to deliver under pressure reinforces its reputation for quality and timely delivery on federal road projects across Nigeria.
Engr Shuaibu Abdullahi the Principal Engr Federal Ministry of Works Lafia Field Headquarter, Nasarawa State couldn’t have put it better while commending CHEC and the impact of the bypass: “The Lafia bypass road project stands as a transformative and important road corridor for both the community along the road and commuters. By significantly reducing travel time between Lafia and Makurdi, easing traffic congestion within Lafia metropolis, and lowering vehicle maintenance costs, the project enhances mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life. Equally impactful is the lifesaving construction of drainage systems in Mararaba, a deliberate corporate social responsibility effort by the contractor aimed at mitigating the effects of perennial flooding, safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods. Together, these interventions not only improve access to markets for farm produce but also reinforce a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.”

In a similar vein, Abdullahi Shehu Kasimu the Village head of Mararaba Akunza gave commendation to CHEC for its Corporate Social Responsibility works to control flooding on the Mararaba axis of the road corridor: “On behalf of the Mararaba Akuza community, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to Messrs CHEC for coming to our aid through the expansion of drainage facilities in Mararaba Akuza. For many years, the community suffered persistent flooding that damaged homes and property, but this intervention has brought much-needed relief.
Today, residents are already experiencing the positive impact of the upgraded drainage system, which has significantly improved water discharge and offers lasting protection against future flooding.
We also extend our gratitude to His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Suleiman, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, for his prompt response to our concerns and support for this intervention”.

Expectation is high in Lafia. “If it can be fully opened soon, it will be good for all of us,” said Aliyu Subair, echoing a view expressed by several residents. For traders, students, civil servants, and transporters, the bypass represents time recovered and costs saved. For the state government, it frees up inner-city roads for local use and reduces maintenance pressure caused by heavy-duty vehicles.

As follow-up works continue, this vital regional corridor is steadily unlocking its value for people’s livelihoods and national development. The bypass does three things at once: it cuts travel time by 66 percent, improves road safety by separating through-traffic from city traffic, and creates an economic artery for Nasarawa and neighboring states.

The completion of the main works is proof that with political will, proper funding, and competent contractors, Nigeria can turn frustration into free flow. CHEC’s delivery of the Lafia bypass to good standard and in record time sets a benchmark for how critical road interventions should be executed.

For Abdullahi Sabo, the shop owner, the change is simple but profound: “Going out is more reassuring.” For Nigeria’s transport economy, it is another step toward an integrated, efficient road network.

The Lafia bypass may have been built quietly, but as an important local transportation milestone, the project has improved the regional road network, eliminated urban congestion, and enhanced traffic safety. Supported by complementary drainage works, it has addressed flooding issues affecting livelihoods, effectively driving commercial and agricultural upgrades along the route, revitalizing the regional economy, and becoming a benchmark project for high-quality infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria

By Abel Leonard

The Federal Government has commended China Harbour Construction Company for prioritizing the completion of the Shabu-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway bypass project in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.

The commendation was made on Thursday during a media tour of the project site. Federal Controller of Works, Mr. Manri Ishiaku, representing Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised China Harbour Engineering Company for keeping its promise to deliver the project on time.

Ishiaku explained that the bypass project, linking Shabu in Lafia to Makurdi in Benue State, had been abandoned before the current government revived it. President Tinubu had approved its completion shortly after taking office, demonstrating strong political will.

“This project started in the last administration but was abandoned. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved its completion immediately,” he said. “In under a year, it’s almost done, showing this administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.”

The Federal Controller commended China Harbour Engineering Company, (CHEC), for delivering quality work on schedule. “The contractor has kept its promise and can be trusted to deliver projects as specified and on time,” he said.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Muazu Adamu Gosho, said the state government supports federal infrastructure projects, noting the bypass will ease traffic congestion in Lafia and improve connectivity.

China Harbour’s Site Engineer, Mr. Tijani Olalekun, said construction is nearing completion, with finishing touches ongoing. “We’ll substantially complete the project next week,” he said, thankging the Federal Ministry of Works and Nasarawa State Government for their support.

The Shabu-Lafia-Makurdi bypass is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Lafia and improve transportation between Nasarawa and Benue states.

-Project Is a Critical Economic Artery for the Idoma Nation – Dep Gov
-Otukpo corridor to be completed in June 2026 – Controller of Works

The Benue State Government have commended China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) for the steady progress and quality of work on the dualization of the 9th Mile (Enugu)–Otukpo–Makurdi road project.

Sam Ode, Deputy Governor of the state gave the commendation during an on-the-spot assessment of the project at the Otukpo corridor on Friday. The project is Phase II of the dualization of the Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi–9th Mile expressway, with Phase I completed in April 2024.

Speaking during the inspection, Ode described CHEC as a reputable frontline construction firm and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the momentum of the project. He also lauded the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his hands-on leadership and commitment to ensuring the delivery of critical road infrastructure across the country.

The deputy governor stated that under a new federal policy requiring states to partner with the Federal Government on road projects, the Benue State Government is responsible for compensation and relocation of utilities along the stretch of the road within the state. He said the state has so far paid over ₦4.6 billion in compensation to affected communities, covering demolished structures and relocation of public utilities from Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi to Orokam, the border with Enugu State.

“In Otukpo township, we made a special appeal because our people have suffered for years due to the abandoned road. The Minister of Works graciously directed CHEC to prioritise this section, and we have been assured that the Otukpo stretch will be delivered before June this year,” he said.

The deputy governor added that ongoing challenges, such as the relocation of power lines and water pipelines, are being addressed, with assurances that all outstanding utilities will be moved within weeks to allow uninterrupted construction.

Mr. Ode described the road as a critical economic artery, particularly for the Idoma Nation and as a major north–south transport corridor. He noted that improved road infrastructure would enhance agricultural productivity by easing the movement of farm produce to markets and stimulating broader economic activities across Benue State.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of any economy. For our largely agrarian people, good roads mean better access to markets and better value for their produce,” he added.

On his part, the Federal Controller of Works, Engineer Munkaila Danladi said the Makurdi–9th Mile (Enugu) road spans about 250 kilometres, with Benue State accounting for the longest portion, approximately 178 kilometres.

Danladi disclosed that about 120 kilometres have been completed up to binder course level, while around 50 kilometres have reached the wearing course stage, alongside ongoing earthworks and construction of several hydraulic structures.

“We also have major structures like the flyover bridge at Chainage 00, which shows the level of momentum on this project. And I assure you that by June this year, we should be able to complete the dual carriageway for the Oturkpo corridor,” he said.

The controller stressed that quality assurance remains a top priority, noting that the Minister of Works does not tolerate substandard work. He revealed that multiple consultants, alongside ministry engineers, supervise each section, while several laboratories conduct routine material testing to ensure strict compliance with specifications.

On community relations, Danladi commended both host communities for showing exceptional cooperation, driven by the economic importance of the road. He noted that in some cases, residents vacated affected areas even before compensation payments were concluded.

The controller added that the project has also enhanced local content and technology transfer, with CHEC employing Nigerian engineers and artisans, using locally sourced construction materials, and sharing technical expertise with local professionals.

Also speaking , Mr. Dong, CHEC head of engineering said the subgrade work had been completed on sections of the road and that stone base and pavement works would commence shortly. According to him, asphalt laying on one side of the road is expected to be completed before March, subject to the timely relocation of utility installations.

The road project is jointly financed by the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank and the federal government of Nigeria.

The Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile (Enugu) road is a key national corridor linking the North-Central and South-East regions of Nigeria. When completed, it is expected to boost agricultural trade, reduce travel time, attract investment, and significantly enhance socio-economic activities across Benue State and neighbouring regions.