By Wilfred Francis
The rehabilitation and expansion of the Makurdi–Enugu highway corridor have gained renewed public confidence following swift contractor compliance, with multiple stakeholders commending both the supervising authorities and the executing firm, China Harbour for measurable progress.
Recall that recently, the Federal Ministry of Works issued a directive addressing dust emissions along sections of the project corridor. The directive followed community concerns about environmental and public health implications arising from ongoing construction activities.
In a prompt response, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the project contractor, implemented comprehensive dust suppression measures across the affected stretches. These measures reportedly included intensified water spraying, improved haulage management, and enhanced environmental monitoring systems.
Road users and local community representatives have described the response as “timely and responsible,” noting that the dust concerns have now been effectively mitigated. A community leaders in one of the affected areas, Emmanuel Kyeto who spoke with our correspondent said the development reflects a stronger culture of regulatory adherence in large-scale infrastructure delivery. According to him “When contractors respond swifty to community concerns of this nature it inspires confidence and mutual respect between local communities and construction companies. We thank China Harbour and believe they would do more in terms of corporate social responsibility for communities along the road corridor” he said
Abuja–Makurdi Section Completed
Project milestones have also reinforced public optimism. The Abuja–Makurdi segment has been completed and widened, significantly upgrading one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport arteries. Transport unions operating along the corridor have reported noticeable improvements in ride quality, traffic flow, and overall safety conditions.
A Freight operators and logistics operator, Emmanuel David who spoke with our correspondent noted that the expanded carriageway has already reduced transit bottlenecks and improved travel predictability, a critical factor for supply chain efficiency between central and southern Nigeria. “This road is a major boost to businesses; it has significantly reduced travel time saving a lot of cost including down time and vehicle maintenance cost. The contractor handling this project must be commended for the quality and timely delivery of this project.
A Road safety officer who was on a patrol team along the route also noted that the improved alignment has increased lane capacity, and that the upgraded pavement quality would lower accident risks while enhancing long-distance driving comfort, “ As road safety officers we know that the quality of the road has significant impact on drivers experience and road safety, the improved alignment would go a long way in curbing accident and carnage on this road, i must commend the prioritization of this project, the contractor has done a great job and as you can see from the quality of work done it makes road safety measures and enforcement much easier road crashes would be reduced to the barest minimum and lives would be saved which is what we want to see”
Makurdi–Enugu Expansion Advancing
Construction on the Makurdi–Enugu axis is also progressing steadily, with visible structural works and earthworks milestones achieved in line with the project timeline. One of the site engineers monitoring the development describe the pace as “consistent and performance-driven,” highlighting coordinated site management and resource deployment.
As a major economic route linking the middle belt of Nigeria to the South East of the country, stakeholders believe that the corridor’s strategic importance extends beyond transportation. Linking Abuja to the oil-producing and industrial zones of the South-East and South-South regions, the highway functions as a critical economic spine for trade, mobility, and regional integration.
Arguably the strengthening of this major road artery will deepen interregional commerce, facilitate agricultural and industrial distribution, and enhance national cohesion through improved connectivity.
Not surprising industry stakeholders and civil society observers, credit sustained oversight and hands-on supervision by the ministry for maintaining project momentum, and the contractors for quality delivery of the project. Analysts say the contractor’s responsiveness to environmental concerns demonstrates a balanced approach—prioritizing both rapid infrastructure development and community welfare.
Stakeholders who spoke with our correspondent point to the dust-control episode as an example of constructive regulatory engagement: prompt intervention by supervising authorities followed by immediate contractor compliance as a big win for all parties concern as it demonstrates mutual respect and understanding.
As work continues along the Makurdi–Enugu stretch, stakeholders maintain that the project represents more than road expansion—it signals a broader commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s transport backbone while ensuring environmental responsibility and public accountability.
With measurable milestones already achieved and regulatory standards visibly enforced, the corridor’s transformation is increasingly viewed as a model of coordinated infrastructure delivery aligned with national economic objectives.
