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Federal Government Enforces Emergency Measures on Key Highways Before Christmas

Engr. David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has mandated that all federal road contractors must refrain from shutting down project sites without explicit authorization. He emphasized that vital highways and bridges are to remain operational throughout the holiday season and beyond to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.

Ministry Officials Directed to Oversee Projects During Festive Period

In a decisive move, Umahi instructed directors within the Federal Ministry of Works and federal controllers nationwide to postpone their holiday leave. Their presence on-site is crucial to guarantee that ongoing construction activities do not impede vehicular movement during the Christmas festivities.

Emergency Meeting Highlights Concerns Over Abandoned Roadworks

During an urgent session held in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister confronted contractors who have reportedly deserted their sites under the pretext of holiday breaks, despite deteriorating road conditions. He underscored the importance of maintaining continuous work on strategic corridors.

Priority Projects to Remain Open Without Exception

Key infrastructure such as the Abuja-Lokoja expressway, drainage systems in Abuja, and major routes in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states were identified as critical and must not be closed under any circumstances. Umahi stressed the strategic significance of these projects for national connectivity.

“No contractor is allowed to close any site without prior approval from the Federal Ministry of Works. The Abuja-Lokoja highway, for instance, must remain accessible at all times,” the minister declared.

He further appealed to contractors planning holiday breaks to stay informed about their project statuses and ensure roads remain open for traffic.

Addressing Traffic Gridlocks and Urging Patience

Umahi acknowledged the recent severe traffic congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja highway as a source of public frustration and government embarrassment. He assured that emergency measures are underway to alleviate the bottlenecks and restore smooth traffic flow ahead of the Christmas rush.

Similarly, the minister expressed concern over persistent traffic jams on the Enugu-Onitsha road, calling for immediate and coordinated efforts from contractors and supervisory officials to resolve nationwide congestion issues.

Transition to Concrete Road Technology: A Strategic Shift

Highlighting a significant policy change championed by President Bola Tinubu, Umahi praised contractors for embracing the shift from traditional asphalt to concrete road construction. Although challenging, this transition is vital for enhancing road longevity and reducing maintenance costs.

“Many contractors have proactively requested to convert their projects from asphalt to concrete, which, while demanding, is essential for sustainable infrastructure,” Umahi noted.

He explained that asphalt roads typically degrade within 10 to 15 years due to drainage issues and unstable soil, whereas well-constructed concrete roads offer extended durability.

Ministry Restructuring to Boost Project Oversight

In a bid to strengthen supervision, Umahi announced a comprehensive reorganization within the ministry. Directors and senior engineers will be redeployed directly to project sites, with only the permanent secretary and the minister remaining at headquarters.

“Every director will be assigned to oversee a major project, and their performance will be strictly evaluated based on tangible results,” he affirmed.

New Payment Protocols for Inherited Projects

Following a presidential directive, contractors working on projects originally awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and similar bodies will now receive payments directly from the Ministry of Works. Contracts will be reassessed and adjusted to reflect achievable deliverables within a nine-month timeframe.

“The Ministry of Works will assume responsibility for payments on all inherited NDDC and related projects, ensuring realistic project scopes and timelines,” Umahi explained.

Strict Enforcement Against Financial Misconduct

Umahi warned that any contractor failing to mobilize to their sites after receiving advance payments will face recovery actions through banking channels. The ministry is committed to eliminating financial indiscipline and ensuring accountability.

Outstanding Liabilities and Financial Transparency

The minister revealed that President Tinubu has authorized the disbursement of outstanding certified liabilities amounting to approximately ₦263 billion. However, all claims will undergo rigorous verification to prevent inflated or unsupported payments.

He noted that total outstanding certificates since 2020 stand near ₦2.1 trillion, necessitating thorough reconciliation to maintain fiscal responsibility.

Digital Innovation to Enhance Project Monitoring

To improve transparency and efficiency, Umahi announced plans to implement a digital monitoring system via zonal portals. Contractors will be required to upload real-time updates, valuations, and certifications, enabling project evaluations and approvals within 48 hours.

This initiative aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and foster greater accountability in federal road construction projects.