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.

By Wilfred Framcis

Lagos, Nigeria – Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi has expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to deliver the 7th Axial Road project in the Lekki Corridor of Lagos. The project, a key cargo handling route for the Lekki Deepwater Port, is being constructed behind the Dangote Refinery and connects the Lekki Corridor with the Sagamu route.

During his inspection tour, Umahi praised CHEC for its successful delivery of the Lekki Deepwater Port and the high-quality progress on the Makurdi-Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project. He instructed that the roadbed filling work for Project LOT1 be completed by the end of April and directed the project team to accelerate resource input and tangible works to meet the deadline.

The 7th Axial Highway is expected to complement key infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road, Dangote Road, and Lekki Port, creating a comprehensive transportation hub model and boosting Nigeria’s port economy and industrial corridor. Umahi emphasized the need for environmental protection agencies to ensure efficient construction and steady progress while maintaining ecological safety.

A CHEC representative stated that the company would maintain a high level of resource input, implement the Minister’s directives, and coordinate safety, quality, and environmental protection to ensure the project’s timely and high-quality completion.

By Anne Azuka

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for a thorough investigation into the disruption of a political meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta State, warning that rising political violence could affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege condemned the reported attack on an APC Delta Central leaders and stakeholders’ meeting, where suspected thugs allegedly disrupted proceedings and injured the Delta State Government’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Temple Mudi.

The former senator described the incident as a threat to democratic participation and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. He also appealed to political actors to embrace peaceful engagement.

Omo-Agege further referenced an earlier incident involving Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who he said was allegedly prevented from accessing his community’s town hall in Agholokpe. He urged authorities to investigate both incidents.

He specifically called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct comprehensive investigations. He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, and the international community to monitor political developments in Delta State.

Omo-Agege reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic participation, stating that violence should not be allowed to undermine the electoral process.