By : Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Honourable Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi has ordered an aggressive nationwide road intervention programme beginning in 2026, declaring that no section of the country and no federal road will be left unattended.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects, stressing that 2026 would be an “action year” marked by discipline, diligence and zero tolerance for negligence.
Umahi announced that every 10-kilometre stretch of federal road construction must henceforth display signboards at the front and back, clearly identifying the Federal Ministry of Works and bearing the photograph of President Tinubu.
According to the Minister, the directive is aimed at ensuring Nigerians are fully aware of the scale of federal road interventions across the country.
“Most times, people do not know who is doing the work because of the volume of projects spread across the nation. Nigerians must know and appreciate the works being carried out by Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu — whether on federal highways, township roads or within states,” Umahi said.
He directed the Director of Press to immediately escalate the directive, adding that no official or stakeholder would be spared under the new regime.
“2026 is an action year. Nobody will be spared. Discipline and diligence are our watchwords. We must do the work we are paid to do. I report directly to Mr President, and anyone found wanting will be called to order. Once action is taken, nobody reverses it except God Almighty and Mr President,” the Minister declared.
Speaking on the collapse of the Keffi Flyover, Umahi explained that the damage was caused by non-government construction trucks carrying heavy equipment, which knocked down critical bridge components and led to its closure.
He said the Ministry immediately briefed President Tinubu, who promptly approved intervention funds for reconstruction.
“We are happy to announce the 100 per cent completion of the Keffi Flyover. Within December, we reopened the bridge to Nigerians, which is the renewed hope agenda of Mr President in action,” he said.
However, the Minister noted that additional work had been directed, including the milling of the entire surface of both carriageways, to ensure long-term durability and safety.
Umahi praised CGC, the contractor handling the project, for commencing work even before funds were released, and commended the quality of delivery.
“This is part of Mr President’s promise to revive our roads and take back our country. We thank Nigerians for their patience while these works are ongoing,” he added.
In a related development, the Federal Government on Friday removed the Controller of Works overseeing the Mararaba–Keffi Expressway and issued a firm February 28, 2026 deadline to the project contractor for completion and handover.
Umahi announced the decision during an inspection of the 43-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi corridor, accusing the removed official of issuing fraudulent certificates that enabled payments for incomplete or unexecuted works, including earlier palliative interventions.
He directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to immediately redeploy the officer and appoint a new Controller to supervise the project.
The Minister stressed that supervising officials have the authority to deny certificates and escalate contractor non-compliance, warning that the sanctions would remain unless reversed by the President.
He further ordered China Harbour Engineering Company, the project contractor, to submit a detailed work timetable and a written commitment confirming its readiness to meet the February deadline.
“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 commitment,” Umahi said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work, attributing delays to both the contractor and supervisory lapses within the Ministry.
Zero Tolerance for Negligence
Umahi also ordered the immediate removal of hand-moulded road caps, directed the commencement of median concreting, and instructed that solar-powered streetlights be installed along the entire corridor.
He warned that indiscipline, negligence and failure to enforce directives would no longer be tolerated.
During the inspection, the Minister assessed progress at critical points, including the Keffi Flyover, reiterating that both contractors and ministry officials must discharge their duties diligently in the interest of Nigerians.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement and Infrastructure, Dr Abiodun Essiet, praised President Tinubu’s responsiveness to community concerns, particularly in the North-Central region.
She noted that the Keffi Flyover was reconstructed and reopened within three months of its collapse following direct intervention by the President.
“Mr President listens to the plight of Nigerians. Within three months, this bridge was reconstructed and reopened. This is leadership in action,” Essiet said.
She commended the Minister of Works for his passion and commitment to delivering the President’s infrastructure mandate, thanking Nigerians for their patience, especially during the festive season.
The Honourable Minister also inspected ongoing Abuja -Kaduna -Kano highways urged the contractor InfioQuest to expedite action on the December 2026 project delivery.
