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Yuletide: Works Minister, Umahi Orders Key Highways to Remain Open

Published

5 months ago

December 24, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has directed contractors handling federal highways to remain on site throughout the festive season to guarantee free and uninterrupted movement of vehicles nationwide.

Umahi gave the directive during a meeting with road contractors in Abuja, warning that no construction site on major highways should be shut down without prior approval from the Ministry of Works. The order covers key routes such as the Abuja–Lokoja, Lagos–Port Harcourt, Abuja–Kano and Keffi–Makurdi expressways, among others.

He said the decision followed the recent hardship experienced by motorists on the Abuja–Lokoja road, where prolonged traffic congestion left travellers stranded for hours, with many forced to spend the night on the highway.

The minister described the incident—triggered by a clash between truck drivers and security personnel—as unacceptable and stressed that such disruptions must not recur during the yuletide travel rush.

Umahi urged contractors to ensure that ongoing construction does not hinder traffic flow, noting that public safety and convenience must take precedence, especially during peak travel periods. He added that the Federal Government was concerned about the embarrassment caused by avoidable road disruptions.

On funding, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to release ₦263 billion for payment to contractors. He revealed that outstanding liabilities owed to road contractors from 2023 to date stand at about ₦2.13 trillion, stressing that payments would only be made after proper verification of claims.

Umahi explained that contractors handling inherited NNPCL Tax Credit projects must formally disengage from their previous contractual arrangements before receiving payments through the Ministry of Works. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the continuation of all such projects, with payment responsibility now transferred to the ministry.

The minister also announced plans to strengthen project monitoring, revealing that from 2026, senior and regional directors would be assigned specific projects for direct supervision. He added that full digitalisation of the ministry’s operations would become mandatory to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency.

He further stated that debts incurred before his appointment would be subjected to scrutiny by relevant oversight and anti-corruption agencies before any payments are approved. Umahi expressed concern over the slow pace of work on some legacy projects, describing it as a major setback to infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, announced a shift in the operational focus of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). He said that from 2026, the agency would concentrate strictly on major road repairs and the reconstruction of collapsed bridges, rather than minor installations such as solar streetlights.

Goronyo also directed that concrete technology should replace asphalt in FERMA’s repair works, stressing that Nigerians expect durable and visible results. He warned that the agency must remain fully active on the field, adding that delays and substandard performance would no longer be tolerated.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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