FG Orders Road Contractors To Keep Key Highways Open During Holidays
The Federal Government has instructed all federal road contractors to keep project sites open during the holiday season, emphasizing that major 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 also ordered 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 leaving sites under the pretext of holidays despite worsening road conditions across the country. He highlighted strategic routes such as the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Abuja drainage canals, and key corridors in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states, noting that these must remain operational. He said, “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.” The minister also announced that the 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 surprised at the size of the outstanding liabilities, which he said were largely inherited and worsened by weak supervision and poor contract management. A committee chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima has been set up to manage the verification and payment process. The minister acknowledged recent traffic disruptions, particularly on the Abuja–Lokoja highway, describing them as “very embarrassing,” and directed emergency measures to restore smooth traffic flow before the Christmas season. He also raised concern about congestion on the Enugu–Onitsha Road. Umahi urged contractors and supervising officials to work together to remove bottlenecks and ensure smooth vehicular movement on all major federal highways. He commended contractors for supporting President Tinubu’s shift from asphalt to concrete road construction, describing it as a difficult but necessary change to improve road durability. He explained that asphalt roads often deteriorate within 10 to 15 years due to drainage failures and soil issues, while concrete roads last longer if properly built. In addition, Umahi announced a reorganisation of the Ministry of Works, with directors and senior engineers 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,” he said.