…………..4th Legacy Road Project to be Awarded, Soon.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE on 17 December, 2025, addressed members of the press on President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the road sector.
The Honourable Minister stated, “I am pleased to address you today to discuss the various projects and initiatives being undertaken by our government to promote development and security, particularly in the South East zone. As a government representative, I also wish to respond to the issues raised by Senator Enyinnaya H. Abaribe of Abia State.
He expressed appreciation to the Governors of the zone for their unwavering support to the President and his administration, noting that the President is determined to ensure that the region is not left behind in national development. He, particularly, commended Governor Alex Otti for the notable progress being recorded in Abia State.
Highlighting achievements under the administration, the Minister emphasised the significant strides made in nationwide infrastructure development. He cited the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, transversing nine (9) littoral states, noting that a substantial part of Section I, Phase 1 is already opened to motorists, with positive feedback from the residents of Lagos and its environs. He stressed that the project is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future, not merely a road.
Engr. Umahi also addressed misconceptions surrounding the project’s procurement process, stating that there are three (3) procurement methods clearly provided for in the Public Procurement Act (PPA).
“I challenge anyone to investigate and compare the procurement processes adopted in Lagos and other states. Across the country, several road projects are ongoing, with many nearing completion. Design works are also in progress for most of the other sections of the Legacy Projects in all geopolitical zones. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, including its elevated and portal sections, is progressing steadily.
President Tinubu has further directed the full implementation of the 4th Legacy Road Project, which is the Dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road, passing through the North Central, North West, and the North East zones. The contract will soon be awarded and work will commence in earnest, the Minister stressed. He expressed confidence that these projects, when completed, will significantly improve mobility, stimulate socioeconomic growth, and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
The Minister expressed concern over the increasing rate of road infrastructure vandalism and encroachment by traders and motorists across the country.
“It is distressing to see that some parts of our roads in many states of the Federation have been taken over by traders and motorists. In Lagos, a bridge, which is a critical infrastructure, is being used as a parking lot for trucks, which is not permissible. Similarly, the Abuja-Kano highway has been encroached upon by traders, who operate on one carriageway on a particular day of the week. This is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety of road users,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also drew attention to the menace of iron rod scavengers, who are removing iron rods from the median of the roads, compromising their structural integrity. “This is a serious safety risk, and we must collectively take action to prevent it. I urge citizens to take it upon themselves to protect our road infrastructure, which is a collective responsibility.”
To address these challenges, the Minister announced that he will reach out to the Inspector General of Police for support to activate “Operation Safe Highways,” a multi-agency task force that was established to secure the nation’s highways. The Minister acknowledged the support of the police during inspections, as well as the contributions of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“The activation of a section of the Police known as Operation Safe Highway in all states will help to clear and secure our road infrastructure. I assure Nigerians that we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that our roads are safe and secure for all users,” the Minister assured.
The Minister appealed to citizens to report any cases of road infrastructure vandalism or encroachment to the relevant authorities and to support the government’s efforts to protect our roads.
The Minister reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s untiring resolve to national development and security, noting that remarkable progress has been recorded in the road infrastructure sector and that the government will continue to work diligently to deliver quality infrastructure.
Reiterating the government’s stance on transparency, the Minister maintained that accountability remains paramount and again invited for the unbiased scrutiny of all procurement processes by the Ministry from anyone or any group of persons.
The Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., urged Nigerians to visit project sites to see the quality of work being delivered. He indicated that the government’s improved road infrastructure, which includes solar-powered street lighting has made driving safer and more enjoyable. He added that Nigerians are free to invite anti-corruption agencies such as the ICPC and EFCC to independently investigate the administration’s road infrastructure projects.
During the Interactive Session, a reporter from Armed Forces Radio inquired about the promise to construct a flyover and bridges at Okoolowo and Shao in Kwara State and the Minister responded that the contract for the said construction would soon be awarded. This development is expected to bring relief to commuters and residents of the area, who have been affected by the long absence of the critical infrastructures.
Another reporter shared her painful experience on the recurring traffic gridlock on the Mararaba road, especially, around Mogadishu Cantonment occassioned by its failure, and asked for the Minister’s intervention. The Minister explained that the said alignment falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). He, however, proactively directed the Permanent Secretary to contact the Permanent Secretary of FCTA for immediate remedial measures.
The Press Briefing and Interactive Session was a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Several journalists commended the Minister for his dedication to improving road infrastructure across the country. They acknowledged renewed efforts in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians on a daily basis on the roads.
In his Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, emphasised the strong collaboration amongst the Ministers, Directors, and other staff of the Ministry, noting that teamwork remains key to achieving the Federal Government’s developmental goals. The Permanent Secretary, expressed appreciation to the journalists for their participation and to the Honorable Minister for his leadership.
The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to delivering on its mandate to provide and maintain Nigeria’s road infrastructure, and the Honourable Ministers look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that road travels are safe, economical, timely, and seamless.
Signed
Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
18 December, 2025.
