By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Federal Government has urged contractors handling sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road to accelerate work and meet project deadlines amid concerns over slow progress on the strategic highway.
The call followed an inspection by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr Abiodun Essiet, who observed that key sections were far behind schedule.
NAN reports that the 47km Kotonkarfe-Abaji section has recorded 10.21 per cent completion, Abuja–Lokoja Section 4A stands at 22.40 per cent, while the Lokoja-Benin dualisation, Obajana-Okene stretch, has reached 38.04 per cent. In contrast, the Lokoja-Ganaja repair project is nearly completed at 99.73 per cent.
Essiet described the pace of work as unsatisfactory and urged contractors to deploy more equipment and manpower.
She assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to funding the projects and said lack of funds should not delay delivery.
Contractors cited challenges including funding delays, traffic management and security concerns.
The Controller of Works, Patiko Musa, acknowledged the setbacks but said measures were being taken to accelerate work and address contractors’ concerns.
