The rehabilitation and expansion of the Makurdi–Enugu highway corridor have gained renewed public confidence following swift contractor compliance, with multiple stakeholders commending both the supervising authorities and the executing firm, China Harbour for measurable progress.

Recall that recently, the Federal Ministry of Works issued a directive addressing dust emissions along sections of the project corridor. The directive followed community concerns about environmental and public health implications arising from ongoing construction activities.

In a prompt response, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the project contractor, implemented comprehensive dust suppression measures across the affected stretches. These measures reportedly included intensified water spraying, improved haulage management, and enhanced environmental monitoring systems.

Road users and local community representatives have described the response as “timely and responsible,” noting that the dust concerns have now been effectively mitigated. A community leaders in one of the affected areas, Emmanuel Kyeto who spoke with our correspondent said the development reflects a stronger culture of regulatory adherence in large-scale infrastructure delivery. According to him “When contractors respond swifty to community concerns of this nature it inspires confidence and mutual respect between local communities and construction companies. We thank China Harbour and believe they would do more in terms of corporate social responsibility for communities along the road corridor” he said

Abuja–Makurdi Section Completed

Project milestones have also reinforced public optimism. The Abuja–Makurdi segment has been completed and widened, significantly upgrading one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport arteries. Transport unions operating along the corridor have reported noticeable improvements in ride quality, traffic flow, and overall safety conditions.

A Freight operators and logistics operator, Emmanuel David who spoke with our correspondent noted that the expanded carriageway has already reduced transit bottlenecks and improved travel predictability, a critical factor for supply chain efficiency between central and southern Nigeria. “This road is a major boost to businesses; it has significantly reduced travel time saving a lot of cost including down time and vehicle maintenance cost. The contractor handling this project must be commended for the quality and timely delivery of this project.

A Road safety officer who was on a patrol team along the route also noted that the improved alignment has increased lane capacity, and that the upgraded pavement quality would lower accident risks while enhancing long-distance driving comfort, “ As road safety officers we know that the quality of the road has significant impact on drivers experience and road safety, the improved alignment would go a long way in curbing accident and carnage on this road, i must commend the prioritization of this project, the contractor has done a great job and as you can see from the quality of work done it makes road safety measures and enforcement much easier road crashes would be reduced to the barest minimum and lives would be saved which is what we want to see”

Makurdi–Enugu Expansion Advancing

Construction on the Makurdi–Enugu axis is also progressing steadily, with visible structural works and earthworks milestones achieved in line with the project timeline. One of the site engineers monitoring the development describe the pace as “consistent and performance-driven,” highlighting coordinated site management and resource deployment.

As a major economic route linking the middle belt of Nigeria to the South East of the country, stakeholders believe that the corridor’s strategic importance extends beyond transportation. Linking Abuja to the oil-producing and industrial zones of the South-East and South-South regions, the highway functions as a critical economic spine for trade, mobility, and regional integration.

Arguably the strengthening of this major road artery will deepen interregional commerce, facilitate agricultural and industrial distribution, and enhance national cohesion through improved connectivity.

Not surprising industry stakeholders and civil society observers, credit sustained oversight and hands-on supervision by the ministry for maintaining project momentum, and the contractors for quality delivery of the project. Analysts say the contractor’s responsiveness to environmental concerns demonstrates a balanced approach—prioritizing both rapid infrastructure development and community welfare.

Stakeholders who spoke with our correspondent point to the dust-control episode as an example of constructive regulatory engagement: prompt intervention by supervising authorities followed by immediate contractor compliance as a big win for all parties concern as it demonstrates mutual respect and understanding.

As work continues along the Makurdi–Enugu stretch, stakeholders maintain that the project represents more than road expansion—it signals a broader commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s transport backbone while ensuring environmental responsibility and public accountability.

With measurable milestones already achieved and regulatory standards visibly enforced, the corridor’s transformation is increasingly viewed as a model of coordinated infrastructure delivery aligned with national economic objectives.

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has declared that no one is above God for it is God that gives life and everything required to keep life going emphasizing that even the pope, the president, Governor, or any position one holds can never be said to be above God.

Chief Aondoakaa stated this when he chaired the 2025 Harvest/Thanksgiving and Bazaar of St. Dominic’s Parish, Sachi in Makurdi.

The former AGF publicly returned thanks to God for his life’s journey emphasizing that everything he has become, all he has attained or achieved are by God’s grace, adding that every ambition he holds is entrusted to God’s will and surrendered to the supreme authority and power of God.

The Ivaanayange i Tiv emphasized the importance of gratitude, humility, and unshaken faith, urging the faithful to always acknowledge God as the ultimate source of success and direction in life.

Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Apagher admonished parishioners to live out the true meaning of God’s laws cautioning against hypocrisy even as he urged the faithful not to emulate the scribes and Pharisees as referenced in the day’s scriptural readings, but to practice genuine obedience, love, and righteousness.

The harvest celebration featured prayers, thanksgiving offerings, and communal fellowship, drawing parishioners and guests from across the state in a spirit of gratitude and renewal.

A civil society, pressure group, non-profit, and anti-corruption organization—the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ)—has applauded and commended the transformational philosophy, paradigm shift, and institutional reforms currently being entrenched by the new leadership of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) under the Controller-General, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode.

The Guild commended the rebranding and repositioning efforts of the Service, coupled with the high esprit de corps, improved morale of officers and men, discipline, and promotions across board within the Federal Fire Service( FFS). These efforts include the commissioning of modern fire trucks and vehicles to reduce incessant fire emergencies, advocacy on fire safety policies nationwide, and the enforcement of fire equipment installation in buildings across the country. GOCMEJ stressed that the timely delivery of fire-fighting equipment and the retraining of officers by the current leadership are commendable developments deserving the support of all well-meaning Nigerians.

According to a press statement issued by the Country Director and Secretary, Comrade Zubaida Aliyu Muhammed, the gender-friendly management of the Service has appointed the first-ever female Deputy Controller-General since the inception of the Federal Fire Service. This novel and laudable step, the Guild noted, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusive female participation in governance.

The statement further affirmed that the disciplinary measures introduced by the present management, alongside its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and laxity, have significantly boosted personnel morale and commitment to duty, endearing the Service to its workforce like never before.

Drawing from the achievements of past administrations and the strong resolve of the current leadership to consolidate existing development programmes, the statement highlighted enhanced advocacy for fire-fighting equipment in buildings, effective implementation of fire policies and safety measures, seamless Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and robust inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies. These initiatives have strengthened the Service into a viable, accountable, and sustainable institution that meets global best practises in performance and service delivery.

The Guild emphasized that the present management has upgraded the Fire Academy and Disaster Management Institutions to boost capacity and manpower development. It also commended the approval of local and international training programmes, seminars, and courses for officers. Special recognition was given to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Procurement Department, which has enhanced transparency, due process, and efficiency in contracting and disbursement processes.

Consequently, GOCMEJ endorsed the continued collaboration and partnerships with agencies such as NEMA, EFCC, NSCDC, the private sector, and the general public. These collaborations have enhanced public sensitization on disaster management, fire safety policies, and emergency response procedures, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders. The Guild noted that the transparent and ethical mechanisms adopted by the present leadership have further endeared Nigerians to the Service.

The statement reiterated that the current management has turned around the fortunes of the Federal Fire Service by repositioning infrastructural development, improving equipment maintenance, and strengthening due process mechanisms to curb abuse of standards. These reforms have significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency in the workplace, earning the Service recognition as one of the best places to work within the paramilitary sector due to improved human capacity, a conducive work environment, and high staff morale.
GOCMEJ also recalled that Nigerians have recently expressed pride in the improved response time of the Fire Service to emergencies and accidents, thereby reducing fire-related disasters in homes and offices across the country.

Worthy of mention is the innovative initiative of establishing fire stations within major markets nationwide. Meanwhile, the Investigation, Inspectorate, and Enforcement (IIE) Division continues to inspect markets and public buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. The management is also intensifying public enlightenment through paid announcements and advertorials, educating Nigerians on fire prevention practices, such as switching off electrical appliances after business hours and remaining vigilant at all times.

In conclusion, GOCMEJ called for an increase in the national budgetary allocation to the Federal Fire Service(FFS) in view of its critical role in mitigating fire disasters. The Guild also urged international organizations, public-spirited individuals, and corporate bodies to support, partner, and collaborate with the Service on long-term strategic initiatives aimed at fire disaster prevention, capacity building, ICT development, and manpower enhancement for improved productivity.