The federal government has announced plans to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras along the Mararaba–Keffi Road to strengthen highway security and enable real-time monitoring of traffic and security activities.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Saturday while inspecting the ongoing road project, saying the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to integrate technology into national road infrastructure.
According to him, the Mararaba–Keffi project will serve as a pilot scheme for a broader highway security system to be replicated across major roads in the country.
“This project is going to be a pilot project as directed by the President. He wants all our routes to have CCTV, and so we have embedded CCTV programme in this project,” Umahi said.
He explained that the project would include CCTV installations, solar-powered streetlights and observation points to support security surveillance and improve emergency response along the corridor.
“We want to build observation sections where we will do our CCTV, just like the Second Niger Bridge. We are reviving the highway security and safety unit within the police structure,” he added.
The minister said the federal government was working with the Nigeria Police Force to reactivate the Highway Patrol and Safety Unit to enhance response to incidents on major roads.
He noted that the integration of surveillance systems would allow security agencies to monitor highways remotely and respond faster to emergencies.
“When we install CCTV and solar lights on our roads, security personnel will be able to monitor activities remotely, and response time to incidents will be significantly reduced,” he said.
Umahi also commended indigenous contractor JRB Construction Limited for its performance on the project, describing it as one of the country’s most reliable local firms.
He said the contractor was handling about 40 kilometres of the road and had already completed about 21 kilometres of binder course despite funding challenges.
He added that JRB mobilised to site and commenced work even before receiving payment, helping to reduce project delays.
Umahi, however, warned that the federal government would begin strict review of contractors handling road projects nationwide, stressing that only committed and well-equipped firms would be retained.
“We are going to identify those contractors who are genuine partners in progress and those who simply wait for mobilisation funds before doing any work,” he said.
The minister also directed immediate repairs of failed sections of the road to ease traffic congestion pending full completion of the project.
He expressed concern over the improper handling of milled asphalt materials, insisting they should be recycled and reused in road construction.
Umahi further warned ministry officials to ensure strict compliance with presidential directives, saying accountability would be enforced across all levels of project supervision.
“The President has provided the support and resources required for us to succeed. Every official must play his or her role because nation-building is the responsibility of all of us,” he said.
