Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Highways: Umahi Ties Tinubu’s Legacy To Better Roads

Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Highways: Umahi Ties Tinubu’s Legacy To Better Roads

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized the critical role of a robust road network in driving economic growth. He stated that achieving goals such as food security, poverty alleviation, enhanced security, and job creation hinges on quality infrastructure across Nigeria.

Speaking at a two-day retreat for Highways Engineers and Ministry management staff in Abuja on January 17, 2025, Umahi stressed the administration’s commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating major highways nationwide. The retreat, themed “Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development,” aimed to optimize service delivery and ensure efficient implementation of road projects.

Umahi likened bad roads to “keeping people in prison,” as they restrict movement and impede development. He called on engineers to adopt international standards and ensure contractors mobilize to project sites before requesting mobilization fees. Additionally, he directed Federal Controllers of Works to remove unauthorized speed bumps on federal highways, ensuring standard designs are used.

National Assembly’s Call to Action
The Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada and Akin Alabi, urged the Ministry to intensify efforts to ensure road projects benefit citizens. They also advocated closer collaboration with the National Assembly for accurate budgeting and resource allocation.

Key Outcomes of the Retreat
Participants resolved to:

• Reduce reliance on emergency contracts.
• Publish contract details on the Ministry’s website, including contractor names and project costs.
• Categorize contractors by 2025, eliminating the practice of awarding contracts to portfolio contractors.
• Prioritize tracking of critical projects by Q2 2026 to ensure readiness for commissioning.
• Ensure major roads, particularly the Abuja-Kaduna highway, remain motorable.

Civil servants were encouraged to support politicians in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to address road infrastructure issues across the six geopolitical zones, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives through infrastructural development.

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