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By Myke Agunwa
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has showered rare praise on indigenous firm JRB Construction Company Limited, declaring that its ongoing emergency reconstruction of the Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway is “top-notch” and comparable to work by Chinese giant China Harbour Engineering Company.
At a surprise inspection of the project site on Monday, the minister said JRB’s speed and quality have even forced the Chinese contractor handling another section to accelerate its pace.
“JRB’s work is top-notch. You won’t see any difference between JRB and China Harbour, and their speed is unmatched,” Umahi told journalists. “In fact, the speed of JRB has prompted China Harbour to speed up their own work. This is the kind of people that will grow this country.”
He assured the company of prompt and complete payment, adding: “Be assured that Mr President is aware of what you are doing. You are going to be paid to the last kobo.”
The N37 billion emergency reconstruction contract was awarded to JRB in October 2025 after years of deterioration on the heavily trafficked route used daily by tens of thousands of federal civil servants commuting from Nasarawa State to Abuja.
The 68-kilometre dual carriageway, plagued by potholes and flooding, is now receiving full concrete pavement, drainage upgrades and solar lighting, with completion targeted for the end of March 2026.
Umahi used the visit to restate President Tinubu’s policy of empowering competent indigenous contractors.
“We want to see more indigenous companies like JRB that have demonstrated exceptional performance and patriotism. We will continue to support and empower companies with the capacity to deliver high-standard projects,” he declared.
Industry sources say JRB’s performance on the Abuja-Keffi axis has positioned it for bigger federal contracts under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.
Motorists plying the route told reporters they have already noticed dramatic improvement in just two months of work, with traffic bottlenecks significantly reduced.