News
Umahi Slams Negligence on Mararaba–Keffi Road Project, Issues Feb 28 Completion Deadline
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed China Harbour Engineering Company, the contractor handling a 43-kilometre section of the Mararaba–Keffi Expressway, to complete and hand over the project on or before February 28, 2026.
The directive was issued on Friday during an inspection tour of the ongoing road expansion project. Senator Umahi also ordered the contractor to submit a detailed work timetable and a written commitment to meet the end-of-February deadline.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of work, the Minister instructed the immediate removal of hand-moulded caps along the corridor, commencement of concreting of the median, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the entire 43-kilometre stretch.
Senator Umahi blamed the contractor’s failure to comply with earlier directives on negligence by some Ministry of Works officials assigned to the project site.
He warned that 2026 would mark a new era of strict accountability and discipline in project execution.
“I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office on Wednesday with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then,” the Minister said.
“We directed that these hand-moulded caps be removed. I have been here more than eight times. Now the problem is my staff, and today I will set an example of what 2026 will be like for all of us in doing this job.”
He emphasized that ministry officials on site have full authority to enforce directives issued by the Minister or his representatives, stressing that failure by contractors to comply should attract denial of certificates or immediate escalation to higher authorities, including the Permanent Secretary or the Minister.
In a decisive move, Senator Umahi ordered the immediate removal of a Controller of Works, accusing him of issuing fraudulent certificates that led to payments for uncompleted projects.
He directed the Permanent Secretary to redeploy the official with immediate effect and appoint a replacement.
“Today, I am directing the Permanent Secretary to remove the Controller with immediate effect and send him to my office to learn how to obey instructions. Another Controller should be redeployed immediately to take over,” he stated.
The Minister further accused the same official of previously certifying palliative works that were not executed, resulting in undue payments. He warned that indiscipline and negligence would no longer be tolerated.
“Nobody will be spared. Discipline is our watchword. Diligence is our watchword. Doing the work we are paid to do is our watchword,” Senator Umahi said.
“When action is taken, no amount of pleading will reverse it. I report directly to Mr President.”He urged ministry staff and contractors to carry out their responsibilities diligently in the interest of Nigerians, warning that sanctions imposed on erring officers would stand unless reversed by the President.
“I need your prayers. I will have many fights, but I am not afraid of any,” the Minister added.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
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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