Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a three-week ultimatum to contractors for the emergency rehabilitation of major federal highways across the country. The directive comes amid severe displeasure expressed by the minister regarding the deplorable state of several road sections, even as contractors undertake permanent construction elsewhere.
Umahi’s order, delivered on November 13, 2026, mandates immediate action on critical, impassable stretches of roads, threatening stringent measures against defaulting contractors. He stressed that the primary objective of his ministry is to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide immediate relief to commuters and businesses hampered by poor road conditions.
The minister’s strong stance follows observations that some contractors were focusing solely on long-term, permanent construction, such as concrete pavements, while neglecting other vital sections of the same highways that remain in disrepair. This disparity has led to prolonged travel times, increased operational costs for businesses, and heightened accident risks.
Addressing Infrastructure Decay
During his assessment, Umahi highlighted the economic impact of Nigeria’s failing road infrastructure. Major federal highways serve as critical arteries for commerce, connecting agricultural centres to markets, facilitating the movement of goods and services, and enabling inter-state travel. Delays caused by bad roads directly translate to increased transportation costs, spoilage of perishable goods, and reduced productivity for businesses.
He tasked contractors with deploying adequate machinery and personnel to ensure round-the-clock work on the identified emergency repair sections. The minister emphasised that any contractor failing to comply with the three-week deadline would face severe sanctions, including potential contract termination. This decisive move aims to compel contractors to prioritise immediate usability while continuing with their long-term projects.
The condition of federal roads has been a long-standing challenge for successive Nigerian governments. Despite significant budgetary allocations over the years, many major routes remain in poor condition, drawing widespread public criticism. The Tinubu administration, under which Umahi serves, has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to revamping the nation’s infrastructure as a cornerstone of its Renewed Hope agenda.
Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State known for his emphasis on concrete road construction, has been vocal about improving the quality and durability of federal roads since assuming office. His latest directive underscores a shift towards more immediate and pragmatic solutions to alleviate the immediate suffering of road users while strategic long-term projects are underway. He previously warned that contractors exhibiting a lack of capacity or commitment would be held accountable.
The emergency rehabilitation initiative is expected to bring temporary but crucial respite to commuters, particularly ahead of the festive season when road traffic typically increases. Businesses, especially those in logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture, are keenly watching the progress, as improved road networks are vital for reducing operational overheads and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
The Ministry of Works is expected to closely monitor the progress of these emergency repairs over the next three weeks. Contractors have been put on notice that only tangible improvements on the ground will be accepted, with regular inspections scheduled to ensure compliance with the minister’s directive. The success of this urgent intervention will be a critical test of the government’s resolve to tackle Nigeria’s persistent infrastructure deficit.
The minister’s directive was first reported by Channels Television on November 13, 2026.
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