The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has instructed zonal directors, federal controllers of works, and engineers to prioritize the rehabilitation of major federal highways across Nigeria. This directive aims to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services during the upcoming festive season. Umahi emphasized that motorability of highways must take precedence over ongoing permanent construction works.
Umahi expressed concern over contractors focusing on permanent construction while other sections of the same roads remained impassable. He stated that such situations would no longer be tolerated and instructed zonal directors to return to the field immediately. The goal is to make major highways motorable within the next three weeks through palliative interventions, including removal of failed sections, filling of potholes, and application of necessary materials.
The minister identified several major highways requiring urgent attention, including the Zaria–Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto, Mararaba–Keffi, Abuja–Lokoja, and Kano–Katsina roads. He also directed immediate rehabilitation of major highways in the South-east, particularly the Enugu–Port Harcourt, Enugu–Aba, and Abakaliki–Enugu roads. Contractors handling affected projects were instructed to cooperate fully with the ministry's field officers and undertake necessary palliative works.
Umahi stressed that no contractor should allow permanent construction targets to compromise road user safety and convenience. He warned that non-compliance would result in appropriate action against contractors found wanting. The minister also announced plans to visit various zones from Monday to assess compliance and evaluate zonal directors' performance.
To facilitate effective field operations, Umahi assured zonal directors of adequate logistical support, including accommodation, fuelling, and vehicle hire where necessary. He also announced plans to recognize and reward outstanding performance in ensuring highway motorability through special awards.
The rehabilitation of roads aims to alleviate hardship experienced by road users, especially during the festive season when passenger, goods, and services movement increases significantly. Umahi charged zonal directors to personally inspect projects, engage contractors, and submit comprehensive reports detailing road conditions, work executed, challenges, and required interventions.
The Minister of Works' directive is a response to the expected increase in travel during the festive season. The goal is to provide a safe and convenient experience for road users. The ministry's efforts will focus on ensuring that major highways are motorable, thereby facilitating the movement of people and goods across the country.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has directed the rehabilitation of major federal highways ahead of the festive season to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services.
