The Federal Government has praised China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the successful execution of the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, describing the project as a demonstration of quality engineering and effective collaboration in infrastructure delivery.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the commendation on Saturday during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre highway, which connects the Federal Capital Territory with communities in Nasarawa State and serves as one of the busiest transportation corridors in the North-Central region.

The project, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was executed at a cost of N73.9 billion.

Speaking after assessing the work, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, noting that the road had reached technical completion and would soon be ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, CHEC demonstrated professionalism and commitment throughout the execution of the project despite challenges encountered during construction.

He particularly highlighted the company’s acceptance of engineering innovations introduced by the Ministry of Works, including the adoption of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible pavement on the carriageway.

Umahi explained that the design improvement would strengthen the road structure, reduce erosion-related damage and extend the lifespan of the highway, making it more durable and cost-effective over time.

He said the project represents the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising critical transport infrastructure and improving connectivity between Abuja and neighbouring states.

The minister noted that only a few finishing touches and corrective measures identified during the inspection remained before the road would be formally inaugurated.

He also commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for ongoing complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor, particularly the construction of flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow.

While praising the contractor’s performance, Umahi appealed for the release of outstanding funds due under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, stressing that President Tinubu had already approved the necessary payments.

He said timely settlement of contractual obligations was important to sustain confidence among contractors and ensure the smooth delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Providing a progress report, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Engr. Yakubu Usman, disclosed that the highway had attained 99.8 per cent completion.

According to him, the remaining works consist mainly of ancillary components such as kerb construction, drainage works and the installation of streetlights.

Usman described the project as a model for future road construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would help protect the pavement and improve the durability of the roadway.

In his remarks, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company, Wang Wenfei, thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support during the execution of the project.

He assured that the company would promptly address the observations raised during the inspection to ensure the road is fully prepared for commissioning.

Upon completion and inauguration, the upgraded Mararaba-Keffi highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities along the Abuja-Nasarawa corridor.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has held talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Power Designate and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, on expanding bilateral cooperation in critical sectors including electricity, infrastructure and industrial development.

The meeting, held on Thursday, focused on advancing the strategic partnership between both countries and identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas considered vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and modernization agenda.

During the discussions, Ambassador Yu congratulated Tegbe on his recent appointment as Minister of Electricity and acknowledged his role in promoting stronger ties between Nigeria and China through the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to working with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and other agreements reached by the leaders of both nations.

He emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation in sectors such as energy, power infrastructure and development projects as part of efforts to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

According to the ambassador, closer engagement in these areas would contribute to economic growth and create tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.

In his response, Tegbe reiterated Nigeria’s determination to deepen its relationship with China, describing the Asian nation as a key development partner. He expressed appreciation for China’s support toward Nigeria’s socio-economic development over the years.

The minister also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and relevant Chinese institutions to drive practical initiatives in priority sectors, including electricity infrastructure, manufacturing and modern agricultural development.

Tegbe noted that enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and China would not only help achieve Nigeria’s development objectives but also support broader efforts aimed at promoting modernization and sustainable development across Africa.

Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd.), has officially assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Beijing after presenting copies of his credentials to China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department, Hong Lei.

The ceremony held in Beijing marks the formal commencement of Dambazau’s mission in China, authorising him to undertake official engagements and represent Nigeria’s interests in one of its most significant bilateral relationships.

A former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Dambazau was named ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key strategic countries.

His posting comes at a period of increasing cooperation between Nigeria and China, with both nations expanding collaboration in commerce, infrastructure, technology, education, security and cultural exchanges.

Over the past decade, China has remained one of Nigeria’s leading economic partners. Trade volumes between the two countries have continued to rise, with bilateral commerce exceeding $28 billion in 2025. The growth reflects stronger economic ties and increasing demand for Chinese industrial products, machinery and technological equipment within the Nigerian market.

Beyond commercial relations, China’s involvement in Nigeria’s development landscape has become increasingly visible through major infrastructure projects supported by Chinese financing and technical expertise.

Among the flagship projects linked to China-Nigeria cooperation are the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, modern railway developments connecting key parts of the country, and the construction of new terminal facilities at major airports, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

Other notable projects include the rehabilitation and expansion of major highways such as the Abuja-Keffi corridor and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu route, as well as strategic investments in the energy and water sectors through the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme.

Observers believe Dambazau’s appointment comes at a crucial stage in relations between Abuja and Beijing, as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities in investment, industrialisation, agriculture, innovation and human capital development.

Given his extensive background in military leadership, governance and public administration, the retired army general is expected to play a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives while facilitating stronger economic and strategic cooperation with China.

His tenure is anticipated to focus on attracting investment, promoting trade, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and expanding partnerships that support Nigeria’s development agenda.