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NEW LAFIA BYPASS ENDS YEARS OF TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE, TRANSFORMS MOBILITY AND LIVELIHOODS

Published

4 months ago

April 30, 2026

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

News

Bandits Attack Kaduna Millennium City, Kill Vigilante, Abduct Woman, Son

Published

6 hours ago

August 21, 2026

sharma

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Armed bandits, in large numbers, have again reportedly launched an attack, killing a local vigilante, Mustapha Baba, and abducting a woman and her son at Kyauta, Millennium City, in Kaduna State.

The brother of the deceased, Yusuf Baba, who confirmed the incident on his social media handle, said Mustapha Baba was shot by the bandits during the attack and rushed to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, Kaduna, where he later died on Wednesday night.

The terrorist group reportedly attacked a house located near the popular Mai-Rago Friday Mosque in the area.

According to a family source, the attackers demanded to see the owner of the house but later abducted his wife and son when they could not find the main target.

Series of attacks

It was gathered that the incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Kyauta and other communities within Millennium City.

A previous attack was reported at the Police Estate in Baban Saura, where five residents were reportedly abducted.

During a recent security meeting, residents of Millennium City appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to improve road access to some parts of the community as part of efforts to address insecurity.

Stakeholders demand action

The Chairman of the Millennium City Security, Development and Enhancement Forum and Chairman of Katukan Danhonu Community, Alhaji Abu Mohammed, said stakeholders had identified the completion of the Eastern Bypass road project as a top priority, describing the abandoned road and bridge construction as a major challenge to effective security operations in the area.

The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to expedite work on the Eastern Bypass and complete the bridge to improve accessibility for security agencies, facilitate the movement of heavy-duty vehicles and ensure prompt emergency response to security threats.

They also called for the deployment of additional police and military personnel, as well as more sophisticated security equipment, to strengthen the capacity of security agencies to combat banditry and protect communities in the area.

Police yet to comment

The police had yet to issue any official statement regarding the attack as at the time of filing this report on Thursday.

News

Gov Sule Commends DSS, Other Security Agencies Over Rescue of Kidnapped Victims in Nasarawa State

Published

15 hours ago

August 20, 2026

Dr Austin maho

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), for rescuing kidnapped victims and dislodging a criminal camp on the outskirts of Atabula village, Aloshi District, Obi LGA of the state.
Governor Sule spoke on the heels of the recent rescue, by DSS operatives, of one Joseph Obagwu, who had gone to secure the release of his son, Samuel Olom Obagwu, a student of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA).
DSS officers had on the same Tuesday arrested three members of the kidnap syndicate at Gidigidi Hotel, behind Shinge Market in Lafia LGA. The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Musa, Titus Baka Fidelis, and Sani Adamu.
It was revealed that Adamu had received ₦200,000 from the victim’s family, as part of the ransom demanded by the syndicate.
Governor Sule described the arrests as a demonstration of the effectiveness and dedication of the security agencies, urging them to sustain the momentum and remain resolute in the fight against criminal elements.
He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible and useful information to security agencies, stressing that collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to maintaining peace and security in the state.
Also commending the DSS, the traditional ruler of Duduguru community, in Jenkwe Development Area of Obi Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Chief Pius Ogu, said the rescue operations had brought huge relief to his community.
He disclosed that the elder Obagwu was abducted after paying Two million Naira ransom for the release of his son, a FULAFIA student who was earlier kidnapped on August 11, 2026.
“The kidnappers released the son and took in the father as replacement,” disclosed the traditional ruler.
He continued, “the DSS operatives, apparently acting on credible intelligence,stormed the kidnappers’ camp in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes. In the process, they successfully rescued the victim, Joseph Obagwu, who had been held hostage since August 15, 2026. The operatives thereafter razed the criminals’ camp”.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody for interrogation,” stressing that the rescue and arrest had brought so much relief to his community.

“We used to hear that the DSS has been unrelenting in its effort to wipe out kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes across the country. We witnessed this first hand, and are very happy for it.
“As the agency continues to deploy a combination of intelligence-driven operations, sustained surveillance, and strategic collaboration with sister security agencies to track down perpetrators and dismantle their hideouts, we, the citizens pledge our support to help them continue on this great path,” he declared.

News

7th China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum Opens in Beijing

Published

19 hours ago

August 20, 2026

micheal

The 7th China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum opened in Beijing on Thursday, with African and Chinese officials and media practitioners calling for stronger cooperation in broadcasting, audiovisual content, technology and professional development.

Themed “Share Development Opportunities, Shape the Audio-Visual Future,” the forum seeks to promote media cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.

In his remarks, Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Bah, the African Union’s Permanent Representative to China, said the creative industries could drive economic growth, create jobs and attract investment.

Bah called for deeper Africa-China cooperation in film production, broadcasting, animation, gaming, digital content and other creative industries, saying the sector could create jobs, attract investment and stimulate innovation.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that Africa tells its own stories, urging stronger partnerships between African and Chinese media organisations in content production and distribution.

The envoy also advocated responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies and called for increased investment in youth skills, professional exchanges and knowledge transfer.

Director-General of the African Union of Broadcasting, Gregoire Ndjaka, said China-Africa broadcasting cooperation had produced tangible results through technology, equipment and training that have supported the modernisation of African broadcasting.

Ndjaka called for expanded cooperation in modern broadcasting technologies and professional training, while urging greater distribution of African audiovisual content on Chinese media platforms.

He said a more balanced flow of content would allow Chinese audiences to see Africa through African perspectives and strengthen mutual understanding.

UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said the media had a critical role in reshaping perceptions of Africa and promoting greater ownership of the continent’s narrative.

She described Africa as resource-rich, idea-rich and youthful, noting the growing potential of its audiovisual industry to create jobs, support services trade and promote cultural exchange.

Eziakonwa urged African and Chinese media organisations to move from simply transmitting content to co-creating it, including through the use of artificial intelligence in African languages and contexts.

Delivering the keynote address, Cao Shumin, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration, called for stronger two-way media cooperation and content exchange.

Cao said China-Africa media cooperation had contributed to people-to-people bonds through high-quality content and urged both sides to focus on technological development, professional exchanges and regular cooperation among media practitioners.

She noted that China and Africa had already co-produced audiovisual programmes and encouraged further collaboration, including the use of artificial intelligence in content generation.

The forum, which runs from August 19 to 21, also featured a release of achievements in China- Africa Radio, and an adoption of the joint declaration of the 7th forum on China-Africa Media

Supporting events such as the China-Africa audio-visual program exchange, the China-Africa Audio-visual Youth Cooperation initiative and the China visit program for Africa media practioners will also be held alongside the forum.

Participants are expected to use the forum to deepen content cooperation, technological innovation and professional exchanges while strengthening China-Africa friendship and people-to-people relations.