Renewed Hope in Plateau: FG Commissions Emergency Roads, Inspects Key Projects

The Federal Government has commissioned completed emergency road interventions and inspected ongoing strategic highway projects in Plateau State as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening national connectivity and driving economic growth.
The exercise formed part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ national media tour of the North Central region, designed to showcase completed emergency repairs and ongoing projects, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aggressive infrastructure development drive.
During the tour, several emergency and special intervention projects were commissioned, while strategic road corridors were inspected, with the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road serving as the final stop in Plateau State.
Speaking during the commissioning, which was conducted on behalf of the Minister, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo, commended the Federal Government for prioritising not only project initiation but also timely completion in accordance with approved standards. She stressed that functional road infrastructure remains a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Providing technical details, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu, disclosed that one of the commissioned projects involved the reinstatement of embankment washouts at a culvert and bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande) along the Shendam–Lafia Road. The intervention covered chainage 38+000 to 38+200 for culvert washouts and chainage 30+250 for bridge washouts.
According to him, the project was awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024, and completed within a few months, restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor.
He further revealed that additional repairs along the Lafia–Shendam Road at chainage 1+500 involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert alongside an existing single-cell culvert, as well as asphalt overlay works, to address structural failures, improve hydraulic capacity, and prevent erosion.
The Controller also led the media team to an ongoing road construction project covering a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns. He disclosed that a second phase spanning an additional seven kilometres is currently undergoing procurement.
The project, awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at a contract sum of about ₦16 billion with a 15-month completion period, has reached approximately 52 percent completion. Engr. Shua’ibu noted that earlier funding challenges had been resolved, allowing steady progress on the site.
Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project according to specifications and timelines, while praising the Federal Ministry of Works for effective supervision and the host communities for their cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as a “road to endless possibilities,” citing improved access to farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities. He assured the Federal Government of sustained community support.
The tour also featured the inspection of the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking Babban Lamba and Sharram communities. Although initially awarded as a rehabilitation project in 2018, the FCW explained that the scope effectively entails the construction of a new flexible pavement, including earthworks, sub-base, stone base layers, and side clearances.
He noted that progress had previously stalled due to funding constraints but has since resumed following the intervention of the Minister of Works. The contractor has fully remobilised, with multiple construction teams and equipment deployed along different sections of the corridor.
Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth, stated that the road, with a 7.3-metre carriageway and 2.75-metre shoulders on both sides, is expected to reduce travel time between communities from nearly two hours to about 20 minutes. He added that the project includes several bridge structures currently under construction.
Similarly, the Site Agent, Engr. Augustine Imiere, said the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road would open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and significantly improve socio-economic activities across the connected communities. He disclosed that the project includes extensive drainage systems, hydraulic structures, and five bridges, including multi-span bridges at various locations, expressing confidence in its timely delivery with continued government and community support.