FG EMBARKS ON DECISIVE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA EXPRESSWAY The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has kick-started the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin–Asaba Highway under the Ministry’s “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe, smooth, and uninterrupted movement along the critical corridor. The intervention, to be carried out by the Ministry, through the hiring of equipment and direct implementation, is a demonstration of its determination to address the severe deterioration of sections of the road and bring immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses, and the affected communities. He made this known during the inauguration of  *"Operation Rescue Benin -Asaba Expressway”* at Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, 24 September, 2026. The Benin–Asaba Highway is a strategic Federal Highway that commences at AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminates at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, with a distance of 125km. It was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration but the handing over of the site was performed by the present one in March, 2025. However, it has since been proven that the Concessionaire lacks the technical and financial capabilities to execute the project. This was established by the *Independent Engineer (I.E.)* for the project, *Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited*.* Considering the plight of road users and the continued deterioration of the concessioned road, the I.E. advised the Ministry to urgently take all necessary steps to save it from further deterioration, avert further gridlock, assuage the suffering of motorists, as well as save the Federal Government from embarrassment. Engr. Umahi has personally been monitoring the implementation of the concession project, through several site visits and issued instructions via the I.E. for the *Concessionaire* to stick to the Ministry’s standards and methodology, which were not complied with leading to the worsening of the road condition. Hence, the Ministry’s intervention to save the critically failed sections of the Expressway, through the deployment of equipment and personnel. The Federal Ministry of Works, according to the Minister, is poised to alleviate the hardship being experienced by road users and communities on the corridor, alike. He reiterated that the Federal Government would not allow the condition of a major national artery to continue to undermine economic activities, the movement of people, goods, and services, as well as the safety of road users and the host communities. He stressed that the emergency intervention is focused on achieving immediate traffic relief, while providing a sustainable engineering solution to the identified problem spots. According to him, the intervention is also being driven by the overriding need to protect public interest and ensure that Nigerians using the road are not left to bear the consequences of the deteriorating infrastructure occasioned by the lapses of the *Concessionaire.* The Minister emphasised that *” this is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users.”* He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country and ensuring that emergencies receive prompt and decisive attention. *“Operation Rescue”* is about immediate action, restoration of movement, and protection of the travelling public and communities along the corridor. *“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,”* the Minister asserted. Engr. Umahi called on road users and people along the corridor to cooperate with the Ministry’s officials and traffic-management personnel, as emergency works commence, assuring them that the Ministry would continue to monitor progress and take all necessary measures to minimise hardship during the period of the intervention. “*I am pleading with motorists to exercise patience, observe traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones,* he stated. Engr. Umahi highly commended President Tinubu's concern over the well-being of citizens, reiterating that *”the Ministry remains committed to restoring the Benin–Asaba Expressway to a safe, functional and durable condition in the overall interest of Nigerians and the national economy."*  Before this, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his people during the protest in August, 2026 caused by the bad state of the road by immediately identifying with the situation and dispatching his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and reassure the affected communities and motorists of immediate remedial action. Speaking at the Ceremony, His Excellency appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his prompt and decisive intervention, as well as the Minister of Works for his continued commitment to the provision of road infrastructure across the country. The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, expressed much gratitude for the immediate response in restoring the all-important road. *”It is a well-desired action to better the lives of the people of Delta State and the general public,* he added. The *representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),* applauded the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. He also commended the Honourable Minister for his steadfastness to the welfare of the people of the zone and Nigerians, at large. Delivering the Welcome Address earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as very timely in reinstating the critical transportation corridor connecting communities, facilitating mobility, commerce and trade between Edo and Delta States with the other parts of the country. Therefore,*its importance cannot be overstated,”* she noted. The occasion was graced by lots of dignitaries and Goodwill Messages were delivered by the Deputy Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Youth Leader of Ikpaba Hill Community, and other stakeholders, who unanimously eulogised the Federal Government’s proactive response. ...

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.   ...