By Our Reporter

Once a symbol of neglect and stalled development, the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road is witnessing a renewed sense of purpose and action. Thanks to a presidential directive and the relentless advocacy of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the vital 155-kilometre stretch that connects Nasarawa State to the Federal Capital Territory and beyond is now poised for a long-overdue transformation.

The turning point came during a high-level inspection tour by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu. Together, they visited key portions of the road, including the site of the collapsed Keffi flyover, a painful reminder of infrastructural decay and the risks that commuters have faced for years.

Awarded in 2020 to Ocheno Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of ₦36 billion, the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto Road project was meant to boost regional trade, agriculture, and mobility. However, the road suffered years of stagnation due to funding shortfalls, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of sustained political will. Communities along the corridor, particularly farmers, traders, and daily commuters, bore the brunt of its dilapidated state.

But hope has returned, and it bears the unmistakable fingerprints of both federal and local intervention.

Governor Sule shared a telling moment from a recent Council of State meeting: “When I went to appreciate Mr. President, he said to me, ‘Senator Wadada has spoken to me about that road.’” The comment revealed what many observers have seen on the ground, Senator Wadada’s quiet but persistent lobbying for federal attention.

Minister Umahi confirmed as much, describing the Senator as “a dogged fighter and a committed voice for the development of Nasarawa State.” The Minister disclosed that the scope of the road has now been expanded beyond its initial 118-kilometre stretch to include the Toto–Abaji axis, adding another 37 kilometres to the project.

The first seven kilometres of reconstruction, according to the Minister, will commence immediately, with phased works to follow once procurement processes are completed. Backed by President Tinubu’s special funding approval, the project is now firmly back on track.

The inspection wasn’t just a show of government presence, it was a message to the people that collaborative leadership can yield results. The presence of Senator Wadada, Governor Sule, and Minister Umahi underscored a multi-tiered commitment to the region’s growth.

Senator Wadada, visibly moved during the tour, thanked President Tinubu for his responsiveness and vowed to continue championing the interests of Nasarawa State. “We are grateful to Mr. President for doing this for our people,” he said, praying for divine protection over the project and pledging to maintain the momentum until full completion.

The Emir of Lafia, who had also weighed in on the matter, was credited with helping facilitate federal attention, a testament to the role traditional institutions can play in modern development.

Beyond its asphalt and drainage systems, the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road represents something larger: access, opportunity, and a better life for thousands. For traders ferrying goods to Abuja, for farmers reaching new markets, and for students and workers commuting daily, the road is a lifeline.

If completed as envisioned, the road will become a flagship example of how political collaboration and sustained advocacy can drive real development. It also sets a precedent for how President Tinubu’s administration intends to respond to long-neglected infrastructure projects across the country, especially in the North Central region.

With heavy machinery set to return and hopes running high, the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road may soon come to life and the glory must go to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.