By Rayyanu Bala

In a clear demonstration of responsive leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a special intervention fund for the long-overdue Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto Road project. The 118.01km stretch, connecting critical communities in Nasarawa State to the Federal Capital Territory, had been a symbol of neglect and underdevelopment for years.  The combined and persistent advocacy of Governor Abdullahi Sule and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu ensured that the road received the attention it deserved.

The approval granted by President Tinubu through a formal request from Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee and representative of Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has brought a renewed sense of hope to the people of Nasarawa West and by extension the entire people of Nasarawa state.
The President’s decision to grant Senator Wadada’s request has not only demonstrated his sensitivity to the plight of ordinary citizens of Nasarawa state but also reinforced the role of strategic political advocacy in delivering results to the citizens.

Senator Wadada’s request letter to the President dated August 13, 2025, detailed the challenges faced by residents, traders, and commuters due to the poor state of the road. It highlighted the socio-economic setbacks caused by prolonged travel time, frequent accidents, and vehicle damage, which have collectively stifled growth and deterred investment in the zone. Senator Wadada emphasized that the road is not just an infrastructure project, it is a lifeline for the people of Nasarawa State and an essential link to the FCT.

The contract Awarded in August 2024 to Messrs Wizchino Engineering Limited at a contract sum of ₦36.1 billion, the project has recorded just 3.78% completion after a ₦3.5 billion initial payment. The lack of progress clearly underscored the urgent need for executive intervention. With the President’s greenlight for additional funding, the project has now received a new lease of life.

In a move that signals the seriousness of the federal government’s renewed commitment, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, is scheduled to visit the project site this Saturday. The inspection is a critical step toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and speed in the execution of the project.

Minister Umahi, known for his hands-on approach and technical expertise, is expected to assess the pace of work and engage with contractors and stakeholders to realign the project timeline with the newly secured funds. His presence on site will also serve to reassure the affected communities that the federal government is not just funding the project but will actively monitor its delivery.

This development sends a powerful message to other states: that persistent advocacy, combined with political will, can lead to real results. It also highlights the importance of synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government. Senator Wadada’s initiative, coupled with President Tinubu’s swift response, has created a model for addressing infrastructural deficits across the country.

With the Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto Road project finally on the table, the contract when completed, is expected to catalyze economic revitalization, enhance mobility, and significantly improve safety for thousands of Nigerians. More importantly, it stands as demonstration to what is possible when leadership listens and takes decisive action. Credit for this achievement rightly goes to Governor Abdullahi Sule and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.