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The Federal Minister of Works and. Housing, Engr David Umahi

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

Abuja-Lokoja Highway: Umahi Stops Contractor Over Poor Job, Insists On Standard

....As He Recommends Flyover On Flood-Prone Spots

By Uche Sunny

The Federal Minister of Works and. Housing, Engr David Umahi, has expressed disappointment over the quality of work done by contractors on the Abuja-Lokoja Highway.

Umahi who registered his concern while meeting with stakeholders in his office on Wednesday said he was not impressed with the eight projects he inspected on Abuja-Lokoja Highway and that of Lokoja-Benin, citing lack of standard quality among a few others.

Upon inspecting the Gada Biu Bridge along the Abuja-Lokoja Road, the Minister who complained that the retain walls among others were faulty and failing, ordered the contractor to stop work and report at the office for evaluation and review, to determine whether he would continue or relieved of the contract.

“It will not be business as usual whereby contractors would get contract and delay or fail to deliver. If any contractor is found wanting in any projects, other contracts awarded to him will be revoked and given to competent ones,” he said.

While thanking the Kogi State Governor for fixing a greater part of the flood ravaged Ganaja corridor of the Lokoja-Benin Road, the Minister assured that the road would be reconstructed with concrete, even as he recommended that flyovers may be considered for spots experiencing persistent floooding as a permanent solution, adding however that it is subject to the outcome of his discussion with the president afterwards.

On Tuesday the Minister hit the ground running in his new assignment as he kick-started with an inspection tour of the Abuja-Lokoja and the Lokoja-Benin Highways shortly after meeting with the management of the ministry,
heads of agencies and parastatals, contractors among other stakeholders for briefs at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Umahi upon assumption of office at the Works ministry on Monday, declared his intention to kickstart with a tour of road projects across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The minister, who headed straight to the Federal Ministry of Works after his inauguration alongside other ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja, said he would embark on the inspection of the Lokojo-Benin, Lokoja-Abuja roads the next day.

The former governor of Ebonyi state also charged engineers to embrace the use of concrete technology amid FOREX challenges and petroleum crises and declared that his office would encourage the use of concrete technology and patronise local content in building roads so as to stir economic growth.

Speaking after receiving the briefs from stakeholders, the Minister who restated his position on standard, concrete, and local content, expressed his readiness to work with contractors and support them, adding however that delay in delivery would not be condoned.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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