Mararaba traffic nightmare set to end as N44bn Flyover nears completion. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
Mararaba traffic nightmare set to end as N44bn Flyover nears completion.
By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
After years of gridlock and prolonged travel times, motorists and commuters on the Abuja-Keffi corridor may soon heave a sigh of relief as the N44bn Mararaba flyover targets completion by Year-End.
The Nasarawa State Government disclosed this during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects across the state by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The team, led by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, embarked on a five-day inspection tour of infrastructure projects across Benue and Nasarawa states.
Addressing the team at the project site, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency, Alhaji Wada Mohammed, assured that the flyover would be delivered by year-end.
Mohammed said the project was initially awarded at N11.1bn with an 18-month completion period, but subsequent adjustments expanded its scope and increased the overall cost.
He explained that the project required an increase in the bridge height to provide adequate headroom for high vehicles, as well as extensions to the entry and exit ramps.
He added that the state government had paid more than N600m in compensation to owners of properties affected by the project.
According to him, the 2.6km project comprises a continuous flyover, two pedestrian flyover bridges and five pedestrian bridges to facilitate safe crossings.
He said the permanent works would cost almost N40bn, while compensation and road furniture, including road markings, signage and streetlights, would bring the total project cost to about N44bn.
Mohammed said the project was designed as a lasting solution to Mararaba’s longstanding traffic challenges without disrupting business activities in the area.
He said the completed flyover was expected to reduce travel time between Abuja and Keffi from more than two hours to less than 40 minutes.
The NSUDA boss attributed the accelerated pace of construction to the capacity and commitment of the contractor, as well as the state government’s prompt payment of certificates.
He said the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, had consistently approved funds for certified works without delay, enabling the contractor to maintain the construction pace.
Mohammed said improved federal allocations had enabled the state government to undertake the project, despite Nasarawa being among the states receiving the least funds from the federation.
He, however, expressed hope that the Federal Government would reimburse the state for its expenditure on the project as soon as possible.
Mararaba, a settlement immediately outside Abuja, is one of the busiest points along the Abuja-Keffi corridor, where motorists and commuters have endured prolonged gridlock, delays, fuel wastage and stress.
The old Mararaba Bridge was demolished between late 2025 and early 2026, while the ongoing construction has temporarily worsened congestion due to diversions, restricted movement, dust and delays.
When completed, the flyover is expected to decongest Mararaba, improve road safety and connectivity, support economic activities and provide lasting relief to thousands of commuters.
