Governor Sule flags off construction of N11.5bn Keffi flyover

By DANJUMA JOSEPH Lafia –

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, has performed the groundbreaking of the 900m Keffi flyover estimated to cost a total of N11.5bn.

The governor, performed the groundbreaking at a colourful ceremony that held at the Keffi Roundabout, the site of the project, in Keffi, on Thursday.

Governor Sule, who described the event as unique and historic, said the project is in line with the commitment of his administration to ensure all-inclusive development across the state.

He recalled that only last week, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu commissioned the over N16bn Lafia interchange named after the President.

“I am happy to inform you that the interchange has eased congestion, improved safety, and facilitated smooth movement for residents and commuters. Our determination in engaging in these types of projects has to do with the people. We are interested in getting into projects that have direct bearing on the lives of our own people,” he stated.

Governor Sule said in Keffi all the projects being executed by his administration since inception were meant to address perennial challenges aimed at bringing succour to the people.

He gave examples with the market in Keffi and the Antau Bridge, edifices that have repeatedly witnessed fire outbreaks and floods respectively which have led to the loss of lives and economic livelihoods.

“Today, we are here again because just last year, a painful incident occurred here. That is why I am very happy to see one of the traditional rulers, the Odyong Nyankpa of Panda in Karu Local Government, HRH, Barrister Joel Aninge, because this was the same spot where we lost some of our sons, including some very dear to him. That was one accident too many. It was at that moment that I said, why are we engineers? We must start thinking about something that at least will reduce the number of accidents we continue to witness here,” he said.

The Governor commended the State Ministry of Works, the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDB) for coming up with the design of the project.

He equally appreciated the contractor handling the project, Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited, for accepting to execute the project in one year, according to specifications and without variation whatsoever.

“I strongly believe that we squeezed him so much. At such a difficult time that we are taking 900m, also at a slope, which is a major challenge for engineering work. And for agreeing to do this job in 12 months at N11, 45, 195, 480 with an agreement that there is no variation whatsoever. The benefits derivable from this project are not only to the benefit of the good people of Nasarawa State but the country at large,” he added.

The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to run an all-inclusive government and to sustain the implementation of the people oriented policies and programmes for the benefits of all and sundry.

He therefore, solicited for support and cooperation from the members of the host community in order for the project to be successful.

“I should crave the indulgence of the good people of Nasarawa State to support the government in its determination to execute projects that have direct bearing on the lives of our people. I also appeal to the host community and to accord our contractor, Bahaus Global Investment, the desired support and cooperation,” he said.

In an address, Managing Director, Nasarawa State Urban Development Board, Engineer Wada Yahaya Adamus, said the project under consideration is as a result of the commitment of the Governor Sule’s administration commitment and zeal to tackle incessant problems affecting the people.

“A lot of lives and properties were lost as a result of accidents at this particular spot. His Excellency may recall his directive early 2024 that that the NUDB should, as a matter of urgency, and necessity search for a lasting solution to the frequent accidents we have been experiencing at this point in Keffi. We quickly engaged the services of experienced engineers both local and expatriates and came up with the idea of the overpass. The overpass comprises of 100m overhead bridge, 300m and 600m approaches from the western and eastern approach respectively,” he said.

Engr. Adamus emphasized that all the processes leading to the award of the contract were done in accordance to the due process and due diligence, having first obtained permission from the Federal Ministry of Works to allow Nasarawa State to undertake the project.

He disclosed that, in line with the policy thrust of the administration, the Governor approved N600m as compensation for individuals affected by the project, with all parties already compensated.

Also speaking, Engr. Ihab Serhal, Managing Director, Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited, said the project is a big step forward in the transformation of Keffi and Nasarawa State.

The contractor commended Governor Sule for his vision and commitment to the infrastructural development of the state.

“You are not just building roads and bridges, you are building a future. We are honoured to be part of this journey. I thank you deeply for your trust. We pledge to deliver this project with the highest standards of quality, professionalism and speed, worthy of the new Nasarawa that you are shaping,” he said.

In their goodwill messages, first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu and the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, paid glowing tribute to the leadership qualities of Governor Sule, while urging the people of the area to support the execution and completion of the project.