The Federal Government has directed contractors handling major federal road projects across the country to remain on their sites throughout the yuletide period, except with express approval from the Ministry of Works.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the directive while addressing contractors in Abuja, warning that no construction site on key highways should be shut during the festive season due to the heavy volume of travel expected nationwide.
The affected roads include the Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kano, Lagos–Port Harcourt, Keffi–Makurdi, Enugu–Onitsha, and Sokoto–Zamfara expressways, among others.
Umahi said the decision was aimed at easing traffic flow and preventing a repeat of the severe gridlock recently experienced on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway, where thousands of travellers were stranded for hours following a standoff between truck drivers and military personnel.
He described the incident as an embarrassment to the Federal Government and urged contractors to ensure roads are freed and made motorable throughout the festive period.
The minister also announced that contractors handling inherited Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Tax Credit road projects must formally exit all previous agreements before they can be considered for payment.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the payment of N263 billion by NNPCL to contractors, while the Ministry of Works will take over responsibility for further payments on the projects.
Umahi disclosed that the total debt owed to contractors from 2023 to date stands at N2.13 trillion, noting that payments would only commence after the figures are properly verified.
He added that contractors must provide documentary evidence of outstanding claims, stressing that debts incurred before he assumed office would require the involvement of anti-graft agencies, the Auditor-General, and other relevant bodies before settlement.
The minister further announced plans to strengthen project supervision, stating that from January 7, 2026, a director would be assigned to each NNPCL road project, while all senior directors would be required to supervise specific projects.
He warned that any official not digitally compliant would be reported to the Head of Service for removal.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency would, from 2026, discontinue minor projects such as solar street lighting and focus strictly on major road repairs and collapsed bridges.
Goronyo directed FERMA to adopt concrete rather than asphalt for road repairs, insisting that Nigerians are tired of excuses and expect visible results.
He added that the agency must prioritise fieldwork and concentrate on fixing major road infrastructure across the country.
