News
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
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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