The Federal Government has ordered all federal road contractors to keep project sites open and operational during the holiday season, emphasizing that key highways and bridges must not be closed without official approval
Minister of Works David Umahi issued the directive on Tuesday at an emergency meeting with directors and contractors of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja. He instructed directors and federal controllers to postpone their holiday plans and remain on site to ensure that ongoing projects do not obstruct traffic flow.
Umahi criticised some contractors for abandoning sites under the guise of holidays, despite worsening road conditions nationwide. He highlighted strategic routes such as the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Abuja drainage canals, and major corridors in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states, stressing that they must remain open.
“No contractor is permitted to close a site without the approval of the Federal Ministry of Works. Some sites must not close at all. Abuja–Lokoja cannot close. Some corridors are simply too critical. Don’t close the roads. Open them for vehicular movements,” he said.
The minister also announced that the Federal Government has begun verifying and preparing to pay N2.13 trillion owed to road contractors, with payments expected to start in January 2026. Directors and contractors have been instructed to submit claims and certificates for verification, with only confirmed obligations to be settled.
Umahi noted that President Bola Tinubu was “visibly shocked” at the scale of the outstanding liabilities, which he described as largely inherited and worsened by poor supervision and contract management. A committee chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima has been set up to oversee the verification and payment process.
Acknowledging recent traffic disruptions, particularly on the Abuja–Lokoja highway, Umahi called the situation “very embarrassing” and directed immediate measures to restore smooth traffic flow ahead of the Christmas season. He also expressed concern about ongoing congestion on the Enugu–Onitsha Road.
The minister called for urgent and coordinated efforts by contractors and supervising officials to remove bottlenecks and ensure smooth movement on all major federal highways.
Umahi commended contractors for supporting President Tinubu’s policy shift from asphalt to concrete roads, describing the change as challenging but necessary for durability and long-term performance. He explained that asphalt roads often deteriorate within 10–15 years due to drainage failures and poor soil conditions, while concrete roads offer longer lifespans when properly constructed.
In addition, the minister announced a reorganisation of the Ministry of Works, with directors and senior engineers being redeployed to supervise projects directly in the field. “Everybody is going to the field. Only the Permanent Secretary and I will remain in the office. Every director will supervise a major project, and performance will be judged strictly by output,” Umahi declared.
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