By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has given contractors and supervising officers three weeks to rehabilitate failed sections of major federal highways across the country ahead of the forthcoming festive season.
Umahi directed all Zonal Directors, Federal Controllers of Works and Engineers’ Representatives to immediately intensify field supervision and undertake emergency palliative works to ensure the motorability of critical highways and ease the movement of people, goods and services.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the minister gave the directive on Friday, November 13, 2026, during a strategic meeting with Coordinating Directors in charge of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Bridges and Design, as well as Zonal Directors.
He emphasised that ensuring the motorability of major highways must take priority over ongoing permanent construction works, particularly as increased travel is expected during the festive period.
The minister expressed concern that some contractors concentrate on permanent construction activities while other sections of the same highways remain impassable, warning that such situations would no longer be tolerated.
He directed the Zonal Directors to return to the field immediately and ensure that failed portions of major roads are addressed within three weeks through palliative interventions, including the removal of failed sections, filling of potholes and application of sharp sand, stone base, cement stabilisation, binder and wearing courses, depending on the condition of the affected roads.
Umahi explained that the interventions were necessary to provide immediate relief to motorists while permanent construction works continue, noting that the Federal Government inherited numerous failed roads amid significant infrastructure challenges and funding constraints.
Among the highways identified for urgent attention are Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto, Mararaba–Keffi, Abuja–Lokoja, Kano–Katsina, Keffi–Makurdi, Makurdi–Enugu, East-West Road, Benin Bypass, Benin–Warri, Benin–Asaba, Warri–Oleh, Kano–Shuwarin and Bauchi–Gombe roads.
The minister also directed immediate rehabilitation of critical highways in the South-East, particularly Enugu–Port Harcourt, Enugu–Aba, Abakaliki–Enugu, Abakaliki–Gojia and Aba–Port Harcourt roads.
He instructed contractors handling the affected projects to cooperate fully with the ministry’s field officers and undertake the required palliative works, stressing that permanent construction targets must not compromise the safety and convenience of road users.
Umahi warned that contractors who failed to comply with the directive must be reported immediately, assuring that appropriate action would be taken against those found wanting.
He further directed the Zonal Directors to personally inspect projects and submit comprehensive reports detailing the condition of each road, the extent of work executed, identified challenges, contractors’ commitments and interventions required.
To strengthen coordination and real-time monitoring, the minister ordered the establishment of a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which officers would submit updates, including project locations, names of responsible officials, contractors, challenges and recommendations for resolving outstanding issues.
He also announced that he would commence visits to the various zones from Monday to assess compliance and evaluate the performance of Zonal Directors and other supervising officers.
Addressing concerns about failed road sections without contractors currently handling them, Umahi directed that such locations be reported immediately for urgent government intervention.
He said emergencies involving bridges at risk of collapse or roads that had been cut off must be addressed without bureaucratic delays, assuring the officers that the ministry would engage competent contractors and secure the necessary presidential approvals and funding.
The minister also assured the Zonal Directors of logistical support, including accommodation, fuelling and vehicle hire where necessary, to facilitate effective field operations.
Describing the assignment as a collective responsibility rather than a punitive exercise, Umahi announced special awards for zones that demonstrate outstanding performance in ensuring the motorability of federal highways.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving road infrastructure nationwide, urging Zonal Directors, Controllers of Works, Resident Engineers and project supervisors to demonstrate urgency, dedication and accountability.
He warned that there would be no excuses for failure to comply with the directive, particularly as Nigerians prepare for increased movement during the festive season and the early-year electoral period.
