NO BUILDING SHOULD BE TOUCHED ON CALABAR-ABUJA SUPERHIGHWAY ALIGNMENT, UMAHI DIRECTS • “There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State” — Umahi declares, reaffirms APC position The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has directed contractors handling the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway to ensure that no building is demolished or touched along the project alignment until the Federal Government concludes a review and, where necessary, realigns the route. Umahi gave the directive on Friday, September 23, 2026, during an inspection of Phase Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway at Ado in Benue State, where he also reviewed progress on the project and directed contractors to accelerate construction activities. The minister said the second section of the project covers 173 kilometres and is valued at ₦683 billion, while Section One is valued at ₦454 billion. He The contractor on Section Two, according to Umahi, has already opened the first element of the first eight kilometres, while efforts are being intensified to resolve the engineering challenge around the Ado Bridge. “I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible,” Umahi said, explaining that he had directed the contractor to open another section from the Ado River while the engineering team works out the best solution for crossing the bridge. He also directed that at least three sections of the first element of Section Two should be opened simultaneously to increase the pace of work, adding that he would personally engage the project manager on site to agree on the technical and practical steps required. Umahi commended the contractor for the progress recorded since his last inspection, saying, “From the last time we were here until now, he has done very well, and I’m very proud of what he’s doing.” The minister, however, gave a clear instruction concerning buildings located within the current alignment, stressing that the human impact of the project must be carefully considered. “My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it. So you just have to continue your work and go around those buildings until we come to look at it,” he said. He further directed that sharp curves along the highway should be strengthened, irrespective of what may have been contained in the original design, stressing that experienced professionals were needed on major infrastructure projects because engineering realities on the ground sometimes require adjustments. Umahi explained that the project was being executed under an EPC Plus Finance arrangement, under which variations are not provided for, making it necessary for the project team to carefully manage quantities and resources without imposing additional costs on the Federal Government. The minister also highlighted additional works being undertaken under Section One, including the dualisation of the road at Onueke, which he said was outside the initial scope, as well as the dualisation at Chainage 0 around Ndibe Beach. From the project inspection, Umahi moved into a broader defence of the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the Southeast. He rejected claims circulating on social media that he had “cornered” Federal Government projects to the Southeast. “I saw on social media where they say I cornered all projects to Southeast. That is very wonderful. But we have the publication of all projects ongoing by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, so they darken counsel without knowledge,” he said. Umahi stressed that the infrastructure programme was not his personal initiative but part of the Federal Government’s broader development agenda under President Tinubu. “I’m not on my own. The President is my boss. So where will he be when I corner all projects to Southeast?” he asked. He said the Southeast was simply receiving infrastructure attention as part of the national distribution of projects, adding that the region may not necessarily be first, second or third in infrastructure development under the Tinubu administration, but “definitely they will not be the last.” The minister also dismissed the idea of any political “rainbow coalition” in Ebonyi State involving him and other political interests, saying his Ebonyi State remained fully aligned with the APC and the political direction of the state. Responding to a question about his relationship with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and whether he was forming a “rainbow coalition” in Ebonyi, Umahi said, “If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship.” He reiterated his criticism of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi, recalling that he had left the party after what he described as its failure to adequately recognise and serve the interests of the Southeast. “We supported PDP. We voted for presidents in PDP. And when it was our time for them to honour us, they did not honour us. They maltreated us,” Umahi said, adding that he remained confident in the APC and its candidates in Ebonyi State. He nevertheless said political opponents were free to campaign in the state, provided they did so peacefully. “Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches and you want to take those speeches, and you want that we should lay a red carpet for you. We will not do that,” he said. Umahi’s also argued that the infrastructure programme of the Tinubu administration provides a basis for Nigerians to assess the government through projects already being executed rather than promises about what may be done in the future. “We tell our story. It’s not a question of saying, ‘I will do this, I’ll do this.’ What about the one that the person is doing? Let us compare the past with the present,” he said. He used the Ebonyi State ring road as an example in arguing that investment in infrastructure can have long-term economic value. He recalled that while serving as governor, the state borrowed $150 million to construct 199 kilometres of the ring road, arguing that the project would cost significantly more if undertaken at today’s prices. Umahi also responded to the argument of Peter Obi savings in Anambra, “You can’t save food where the people are hungry,” he said, arguing that infrastructure investment creates assets that can support economic activity and improve connectivity. He disclosed that the four legacy infrastructure projects of President Tinubu are being financed through a combination of Federal Government funding and foreign financing, with 30 percent funded in naira by the Federal Government and 70 percent through foreign financing. The minister also rejected the suggestion that the administration had abandoned existing roads in favour of new projects, explaining that several of the legacy projects involve the expansion and reconstruction of existing road corridors. “I’m very proud of what the President is doing,” he said. “I’m very proud that we continue to educate our people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Southeast and all over the country, so that he can anchor most of these projects he has started.” Responding to questions about his criticism of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Umahi said his concerns were based on policy, political messaging and what he described as the use of ethnic and tribal sentiments in political discourse. The minister recalled his working relationship with Obi during their years as governors and said they had attended meetings of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, when Obi was chairman of the forum. Umahi argued that political promises should be assessed against previous records and measurable achievements rather than solely on campaign declarations. “If the past outing you cannot have something to verify, then you cannot be assured of the promises of the second time,” he said. On the 2027 presidential election, Umahi said his support for President Tinubu was based on his belief in the President’s vision and reforms. “What gave rise is because I believe in President Bola Tinubu. I believe that he’s the one called of God. I believe in his vision. I believe in his reforms. I believe he’s the best person that I have worked with and for, and I’m very proud of working for him and working with him,” he said. He argued that continuity was important for major infrastructure projects because changes in administration could affect their implementation, particularly projects that require several years to complete. “If, God forbid, another person says he’s President, all these projects will be stalled. And I don’t think Ebonyi wants their projects to be stalled,” Umahi said. The minister also addressed questions concerning his son, who was nominated by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area. Umahi clarified that the nomination was made by the governor, not by him, and said he had instructed his son to uphold transparency, honesty and prudent management of public funds. He said his son had promised not to collect salary or allowances and urged him to ensure equitable development across all 11 council wards rather than favouring his home community. “I’ve advised him, don’t do anything for the people of Uburu because you are from Uburu. It has to be equitably distributed among the eleven council wards in Ohaozara Local Government,” Umahi said. He added that the governor’s decision to nominate his son was personally significant to him because, in his view, it demonstrated the governor’s appreciation of their relationship and the contributions of the past administration. On the political situation in Ebonyi, Umahi said anybody seeking to campaign in the state was free to do so, but warned against attempts to foment crisis. “Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State,” he said.   ...

FG INTENSIFIES INTERVENTION ON INHERITED BIDA–LAPAI–LAMBATA, MAJE–DIKKO ROADS AS GORONYO INSPECTS PROJECTS The Federal Government has intensified efforts to restore full motorability on the critical Bida–Lapa–Lambata and Maje–Dikko road corridors in Niger State, with the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., inspecting the projects and directing contractors to accelerate remedial, palliative and permanent works. The inspection, which took place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, formed part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ sustained monitoring of critical road projects across the country, particularly inherited projects requiring urgent intervention to improve road safety, ease traffic movement and enhance connectivity. Speaking during the inspection of the Bida–Lapai–Lambata corridor, the Minister sympathized with motorists, particularly articulated-vehicle operators, who have experienced prolonged delays and difficult travelling conditions along the route. He described the corridor as an important economic artery connecting communities in Niger State and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, goods and people across the region. Goronyo explained that the approximately 123.4-kilometre Bida–Lapai–Lambata project is an inherited project being executed under the Presidential/NNPC Tax Credit financing arrangement. He noted that, in view of the heavy movement of articulated vehicles along the corridor, the project was designed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement to enhance its durability and service life. The Minister said the Federal Government was concerned about the present condition of the road and would ensure the immediate mobilisation of the contractor for palliative intervention, while permanent reconstruction works progress. “We deeply sympathise with the drivers and other road users. This is a very important economic corridor, and we cannot allow it to fail completely. We are going to push the contractor to mobilise early and undertake palliative works to provide relief to motorists while we await the full reconstruction of the road,” he said. The Minister stressed that the present administration inherited several road projects across the country and had continued to address them rather than abandoning ongoing projects. He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognises the strategic importance of road infrastructure as an enabler of economic growth, trade, mobility and national development. Goronyo assured motorists and communities along the corridor that the Ministry would continue to closely monitor the project and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure timely intervention and sustained progress. At the Maje–Dikko section, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the significant improvement recorded following the Federal Government’s earlier directive for urgent intervention. He, however, directed the contractor to redouble its efforts, mobilise additional equipment and materials, and sustain round-the-clock operations at critical sections of the corridor. Goronyo recalled that the Ministry had given the contractor a 48-hour directive to restore passability on the affected sections and commended the progress achieved so far. “The progress of the work so far is impressive, and we are satisfied with what you have been doing over the last few days. But you need to double your efforts, mobilise more materials and equipment, and concentrate on the difficult sections. Nigerians deserve better roads, and we have no excuse,” Goronyo said. He directed the contractor to maintain the current tempo of work, particularly at locations where drainage and erosion challenges continue to affect traffic movement. The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry would continue its daily monitoring of the corridor, either personally or through senior officials, stressing that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that motorists regained easier and safer access along the route. The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium Nigeria Limited, Mr. Isaac Abeka, said the contractor had responded to the Federal Government’s 48-hour directive by mobilising additional personnel, materials and equipment to the site. He disclosed that the immediate intervention had significantly eased the major gridlock along the corridor, with traffic now flowing from the affected sections towards Lambata and Dikko. According to him, failed sections were backfilled with stones, rocks and boulders, after which stone-base materials were applied and graded to improve the riding surface. Abeka added that drainage channels had also been opened to facilitate the movement of water away from the roadway, while additional equipment had been deployed to the remaining difficult sections. He assured that the intervention would be sustained towards the major bridge section. Speaking on the Maje–Jazu Section II of the project, being handled by Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, the Honourable Minister expressed concern over the slow pace of work and directed the contractor to substantially increase its mobilisation and productivity to ensure delivery within the agreed timeline and required quality standards. Goronyo noted that more than ₦10 billion had so far been released to the contractor as mobilisation out of the approximately ₦90 billion project value. He said the level of work completed, which stood at about one per cent, was not commensurate with the funds already advanced or the progress expected under the project schedule. “The amount so far released to you as mobilisation is over ₦10 billion. Yet, the progress of work on site is not commensurate with the amount that has been advanced to you. The percentage of work completed is not even up to one per cent, whereas, according to the project schedule, you are expected to have achieved almost 16 per cent at this stage. Honestly, we are not satisfied with the progress of work,” he said. The Minister further disclosed that the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, had been briefed on the progress of the project and had directed that the contractor be made to understand that the pace of work was unacceptable. Goronyo stressed that the project, which covers approximately 71.9 kilometres and involves the construction of about 11 culverts and 11 bridges, required urgent acceleration. He noted that although five or six structures had reportedly been completed, the overall physical progress remained about one per cent. “The Honourable Minister is not satisfied with what you are doing, and that is also the position of all of us here. We are not satisfied with the progress recorded so far. Nigerians deserve better roads. Mr. President has already provided the necessary support and mobilisation for this project, and you have no excuse whatsoever not to deliver,” he said. Goronyo noted that the project has a 36-month completion period, adding that almost six months had already been consumed without appreciable progress. He therefore directed the contractor to mobilise more machines, equipment, materials and manpower to accelerate construction. “We want this project delivered within record time. Nigerians are yearning for better roads, and we cannot continue to accept excuses,” the Minister said. Responding, the contractor, Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, explained that prolonged traffic congestion caused by articulated vehicles had significantly affected its operations between June and August. The contractor said the road was heavily blocked during the period, making it difficult to move equipment and materials and carry out construction activities effectively. It, however, stated that following the clearance of the traffic from the previous day, the company immediately deployed its machines, equipment, labourers and technical personnel to the site to accelerate the work. The contractor assured the Minister that it had the capacity, manpower, equipment and machinery required to execute the project and committed to accelerating construction. It further indicated that it was expected to complete approximately nine to ten kilometres of the road by March next year. The Minister, however, maintained that completing nine or ten kilometres by March would not represent sufficient progress considering the overall length of the 71.9-kilometre project. “You have told us that the gridlock caused by articulated vehicles between June and August affected your operations. But this contract was awarded in February. What were you doing from February to June? That explanation is not acceptable,” Goronyo said. He directed the contractor to immediately increase its mobilisation and deploy additional machines, equipment, materials and manpower to the project. “We want this project delivered within record time. We cannot continue to accept excuses. Nigerians are yearning for better roads, and the government expects you to respond by delivering this project within the stipulated timeframe,” he said. Meanwhile, at the Lambata–Lapai corridor, the Director of Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, explained that the contractor handling the permanent rehabilitation and reconstruction works had indicated its readiness to mobilise to the site. He, however, noted that extensive earthworks during the rainy season could temporarily worsen some sections of the corridor. He therefore recommended immediate palliative measures, including the deployment of boulders, stone-base materials, graders and bulldozers at identified critical locations to maintain motorability until weather conditions become more favourable for full-scale permanent works. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, commended the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for physically monitoring the corridor and implementing the President’s directive. He described the road as an inherited project and assured motorists that efforts were underway to provide both immediate palliative relief and long-term reconstruction. The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, sympathised with motorists over the difficult conditions experienced along the route. He urged truck owners and drivers to avoid overloading, stressing that excessive loading has implications for road safety, vehicles and pavement durability. He assured road users that the FRSC would continue to provide traffic control and support safe movement along the corridor. The Director of Civil Engineering Services, Niger State, Engr. Andrew Adamu, appreciated the Federal Government for its intervention on the critical road infrastructure. He supported the immediate use of palliative measures during the rainy season, including hardcore, boulders, chippings and stone-base materials, followed by full mobilisation for permanent works as the dry season sets in. Also speaking, the President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, expressed optimism over the intervention and appealed to motorists, vehicle owners and drivers to remain patient as the government and contractors work to restore the corridor. He said the presence of the Minister of State and other key stakeholders on site demonstrated the seriousness attached to resolving the challenges confronting road users. The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring of the two corridors and ensuring that contractors sustain the pace of work until the identified critical sections are made safely and effectively motorable. The Ministry further appealed to motorists to exercise patience, cooperate with traffic-management agencies and comply with applicable vehicle loading limits while remedial and reconstruction works continue.   ...

*UMAHI RECEIVES NANS ASSESSMENT REPORT ON FEDERAL ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NORTH-WEST ZONE* *- Mobilises Stakeholders for Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda* The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has received an assessment report by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Federal Government road infrastructure projects inspected across the North-West Zone. The report was presented to the Minister at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Mabushi, Abuja, by the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez. The assessment followed a nationwide student-led inspection initiative aimed at enabling Nigerian students to obtain first-hand information on the progress, quality and relevance of Federal Government infrastructure projects. Upon receiving the report, Minister Umahi commended NANS's leadership and the participating student representatives for embarking on the tour, describing the initiative as a responsible demonstration of youth participation in national development. He reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Works welcomes constructive assessments from students, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, noting that such engagements provide the Ministry with unbiased feedback on projects and help identify areas requiring further attention. According to him, the Ministry has continued to open its project sites to stakeholders and independent observers to enable them to assess ongoing and completed projects and gain a better understanding of the scope, quality and progress of work being undertaken by the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Engr. Umahi assured that the Ministry would carefully study the observations and recommendations contained in the NANS report and take appropriate action, where necessary. He specifically directed relevant Directors in the Ministry to note the students’ recommendations on access roads and pedestrian safety around educational institutions, including the request for a pedestrian bridge at the Federal Cooperative College area of Kaduna. The Minister also assured the students that their concerns regarding roads serving universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and surrounding communities would receive appropriate attention within the Ministry’s mandate. He noted that road infrastructure is critical to education, commerce, agriculture and the movement of people and goods, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to improving connectivity across the country. Speaking on the broader national conversation surrounding the Renewed Hope Agenda, Umahi stressed the importance of assessing government policies and their implementation through facts, projects and measurable outcomes. He also encouraged stakeholders, including state governments and citizens, to engage constructively on issues affecting their communities. He highlighted the Ministry’s community engagement, sensitisation and mobilisation structure, which is intended to showcase infrastructure projects as catalysts for national integration and development. On the thorny subject of fuel subsidy removal and its implications for governance, the Minister underscored the need for citizens to examine how changes in government revenues and fiscal space are being reflected in public services and social interventions. Stakeholders were encouraged to engage their respective state governments on how additional revenues are being utilised for the benefit of citizens. Engr. Umahi recognises that roads are more than engineering structures. Their condition directly affects the movement of people and agricultural produce, access to schools and healthcare facilities, transportation costs, trade, security and the wider economic life of communities. Presenting the report, the NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed that the students embarked on the inspection tour because they considered roads leading to educational institutions an important component of the infrastructure required to support access to education. He said the North-West leg of the exercise covered major road projects across Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States. Among the projects inspected, according to NANS, were the Kano Northern Bypass; Kano–Kwanar Danja–Hadejia Road; Kano–Maiduguri Expressway; Dualisation of Kano–Katsina Road; Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway; Zaria-Funtua–Gusau-Sokoto Road; Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road; Kaduna–Pambegwa–Jos Road; and other Federal road projects across the zone. On the Reconstruction of Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road, the students described the project as strategically important to interstate connectivity and access to communities and educational institutions. Comrade Babatunde said the delegation observed that several of the roads inspected have a direct impact on students by improving access to campuses, reducing travel difficulties, and strengthening connectivity between educational institutions and surrounding communities. He commended the quality and scale of work observed at several project sites, particularly the detailed attention given to road pavement construction, the adoption of continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology, drainage infrastructure, subgrade preparation, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights along selected corridors. The NANS President, however, revealed that the students identified areas where additional interventions could further enhance the impact of some projects. Among the recommendations contained in the report was the provision of pedestrian infrastructure around educational institutions located close to major highways, as well as the construction and improvement of access roads linking some major Federal highways to citadels of learning. He stated that NANS would continue to undertake similar assessment exercises in other parts of the country and communicate its findings to the Ministry. The Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement representing the six geopolitical zones used the occasion to call on Nigerians, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to support and participate in the Federal Government’s infrastructure engagement initiative. They highlighted the long-standing challenges associated with neglected road corridors across the country and noted the importance of ongoing rehabilitation, reconstruction, expansion and completion of strategic routes to improve connectivity, security and socioeconomic activities. The Community Engagement teams are expected to serve as a bridge between the Ministry and communities by taking information about infrastructure development to the people, while bringing citizens’ observations, concerns and feedback to the Ministry’s attention. Speaking, the SSA-P, Community Engagement, North-West Zone, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, commended the students for visiting project sites and engaging with communities and road users. Yakasai said the exercise provided an opportunity for the students to see ongoing infrastructure projects firsthand and communicate their observations to the Federal Government. He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for facilitating access to the project sites and urged the students to continue providing constructive feedback on Federal Government projects across the country. In his closing remarks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, commended the Minister for his commitment to the Ministry’s mandate and his sustained attention to infrastructure delivery and stakeholder engagement. He thanked the NANS delegation for the initiative and for taking the time to inspect ongoing projects. He underscored the importance of collaboration among the political leadership, career officials, technical personnel, and external stakeholders in delivering and communicating the Ministry’s mandate. The DOOPS guaranteed the students that their observations would be handled appropriately. He commended the students for their interest in infrastructure development and their commitment to contributing to national development through on-the-spot assessment and constructive engagement. Ultimately, the impact of road infrastructure development is measured not only in the number of kilometres constructed or rehabilitated, but also in how effectively roads improve connectivity, facilitate economic activity and ease movement for the people who depend on them. This initiative, therefore, seeks to position citizens and communities as active participants in understanding, monitoring, and communicating the impact of federal infrastructure development.    ...