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Yuletide: Works Minister, Umahi Orders Key Highways to Remain Open
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.
News
DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development
Cyril Samania
The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.
Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.
He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.
According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.
He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.
Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.
He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.
Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.
He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.
Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.
He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.
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