UMAHI RAISES ALARM OVER MISUSE OF ROADS, WARNS AGAINST PARKING OF TANKS, OTHER HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES    -As young engineers set to understudy the project under the President’s mentorship program The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has raised serious concern over the damaging practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, warning that such actions pose direct threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure. The Minister made this known during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project, Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, 2026. “Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road.” He emphasized that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles. “No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.” With the total project cost exceeding ₦230 billion ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two the Minister stressed that such investments must be protected. “Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project. “I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” the Minister stated. He explained that although funding by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceased in August 2025, the President promptly approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring that work continued uninterrupted. “We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work.” The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features. In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development, the Minister disclosed plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu. “We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold.” Providing an update on timelines, the Minister noted that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026. “They have promised me that before May 25th that one carriageway of this very innovative construction will be completed and before August the first phase of this project would have been totally completed.” He further expressed confidence that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year. The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability. “We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result.” The Honourable Minister concluded by calling on Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure. “Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it.”   ...

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RECENT ISSUES SURROUNDING MRS TRACY OHIRI’S MATTER The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly. First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably. At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her. For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims. It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point. Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established. The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above.  It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond. The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted. The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development. We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. ...

EID MUBARAK TO OUR MUSLIM FAITHFULS  I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. The lessons of Ramadan call us to live in peace with one another, uphold justice, and extend kindness to all, especially the less privileged. As we celebrate, I urge all Nigerians to continue to embrace unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, which remain essential to our collective progress as a nation. Let us also use this period to pray for the peace, stability, and sustained development of our dear country. On our part at the Federal Ministry of Works, we remain committed to delivering critical infrastructure that connects our people, strengthens economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians. May Almighty Allah accept good prayers and acts of charity, and bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and good health. Eid Mubarak. Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE  Honourable Minister of Work   ...