For years, motorists and residents along the Karu corridor of the Federal Capital Territory battled traffic gridlock, flooding and deteriorating roads. Today, they say a major road upgrade has changed the story, easing movement and breathing new life into businesses along the route.
The 15-kilometre project, stretching from the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to Customs Clinic Junction, has also opened up several feeder roads, including DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road.
Residents and commuters who spoke on the completed project expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying the improved infrastructure has significantly reduced the daily challenges associated with the busy corridor.
For shop owners, the difference is particularly noticeable.
Mrs Chinyere Obasi, a trader in the area, recalled that the corridor previously lacked proper roads and street lighting, making movement and business operations difficult.
“Before, the road wasn’t all that good. And there was nothing like the street lights. But now, as you can see, the road is okay. And our businesses, by the grace of God, is even better than before,” she said.
Obasi said the improved road had also made movement easier for residents and customers, expressing hope that the authorities would sustain the pace of infrastructure development.
Another resident, Anita Ogunwunmi, a teacher, said the difference was most apparent during the rainy season, when flooding and congestion previously made the route difficult to navigate.
“Before, the congestion on the road was so bad. When rain falls like this, we can’t pass here, but now, everywhere is free. It’s better. We are happy,” she said.
According to Ogunwunmi, the reduction in traffic has also changed how commuters plan their mornings.
“The route is faster. Before, I used to leave very early to come to work, but now I can leave much later. There’s no hold-up, there’s no traffic. It’s free. The road is free, it’s better,” she said, describing the project as a major relief for commuters.
For motorist and engineer Johnpaul Adamu, the transformation is a sharp departure from the conditions motorists faced barely a year ago.
“Well, this road has been a major challenge in Karu. If you can remember, 12 months ago, this place was not like this,” Adamu said.
He recalled how flooding, inadequate drainage and traffic congestion regularly disrupted movement along the corridor.
But he said the completed project had transformed the area.
“Now, wow, this is, let me say, this is city now. We are happy. The infrastructure is working, there’s streetlights. If you come here by 12 midnight, you’ll think this is afternoon. We thank God for everything,” he said.
Adamu also commended the FCT administration for what he described as visible improvements in infrastructure across the territory.
“For me in particular, I will say, let it be 4+4 for him, because he has done well,” he said.
“In fact, this is the first minister that I’ve seen that has worked, that has provided infrastructure, water, dams, housing everywhere. Everything is going well. We give God the glory.”
The road project was awarded to indigenous construction company Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, also known as Abduval Limited, on August 22, 2025.
According to the company’s Project Manager, Hacı Cengiz, the completion of the project demonstrates that Nigerian companies have the capacity to execute major infrastructure works when given the opportunity and necessary support.
“We are not a foreign company, but thank God we are doing well, and the minister is supporting indigenous companies very well. Thank you, Minister,” Cengiz said.
He said the Karu project was the second major road project completed by the company, following its work on the Ushafa road.
“This is the second project we are going 100 per cent we finished. Before in Ushafa, now this Karu project completely finished, 100 per cent completed,” he said.
Cengiz said the company completed the Ushafa project, originally scheduled for 18 months, in seven months, before delivering the Karu project within the required timeframe.
He attributed the successful execution of the projects partly to the availability of equipment and materials, as well as the support provided by the FCT administration.
Beyond the road itself, the project has also created employment opportunities for residents of surrounding communities.
“Up till now, about 259 workers are working. Especially, the majority are from the community. Where we are working, we are employing from the community,” Cengiz said.
He explained that the economic impact goes beyond direct employment, as workers also spend their earnings within the communities where they operate, supporting local businesses.
Cengiz further urged greater patronage of indigenous construction companies, arguing that local firms keep technical expertise, experience and heavy equipment within the country.
“Foreign companies, when they come and do the work, later on after two, four, five years, they go. But indigenous company, and the experience, knowledge, data, everything stay in here,” he said.
“And you see our equipment, this is the big investment for Nigeria.”
For residents and businesses along the Karu corridor, the completed project is therefore more than an upgraded road. It means shorter journeys, improved drainage, better visibility at night and easier access to businesses in one of the major entry points into the nation’s capital.
