By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Taraba Road Projects – Nov. 16, 2025
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has commenced extensive road construction projects across the state, months after promising a major infrastructural drive that many residents initially doubted.
The governor had been widely criticized for not initiating major road projects in his first two years in office. But the administration has now awarded and funded several road contracts described as critical to boosting economic activities and improving movement across rural communities.
One of the largest projects is the Mararaba–Baissa–Abong Road, covering a total of 84 kilometres. The project was split into three lots of 28 kilometres each and awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd, CCECC Nigeria Ltd and China Zhanghao. Each contractor received ₦5 billion as mobilisation.
The road links Kurmi Local Government, a major agricultural hub known for palm oil, cocoa, plantains, timber and other produce, to the Nigeria–Cameroon border. The area has suffered decades of poor access, limiting trade opportunities despite its rich agricultural potential.
Another major project is the 35km Pamanga–Dakka Road, awarded to Gelead Construction Company with ₦5 billion released. Dakka hosts the once-popular MKO Abiola Farms and remains one of the most productive agrarian zones in the state, but its poor road has been a barrier to transporting goods.
The state government also awarded the 20km Mararaba–Yorro–Pantisawa Road to Wasany Construction Company, with ₦5 billion released. The road is the main access route into Yorro Local Government and has long been in deplorable condition.
Other projects awarded include the 24km Yerima–Gassol Road handled by Whize China Engineering Construction (₦5bn released), and the 35km Wukari–Kente–Chinkai Road awarded to Moulds Nigeria Ltd (₦5bn released). The 12km Takum–Ussa Road is also underway, with ₦1bn released as initial funding.
In addition to the major projects, the government approved ₦1.9bn for palliative repairs on the Wukari–Tella–Mutum Biyu Road, the Bali–Mararaba/Baissa Road, and township roads in Jalingo and Wukari.
The projects have drawn positive reactions from residents across the state.
A Wukari resident, Mr. Solomon Muya, described the Wukari–Kente–Chinkai road as a crucial link. “It is the shortest alternative route for travellers going to Abuja. This project will be beneficial to many people,” he said.
A former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Ajiya, welcomed the Takum–Ussa road project, saying the communities had been cut off for years due to the failed road.
In Kurmi, politician Alhaji Adamu Isah commended the governor for the Mararaba–Baissa–Abong project, saying it would boost trade and open up the area if completed.
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Similarly, Elder Samuel Mashi from Yorro said the rehabilitation of the Mararaba–Yorro–Pantisawa Road was long overdue. He said the project, abandoned by the previous administration, would significantly ease movement for residents and farmers in the area.
