In a decisive move to prevent a repeat of the recent travel chaos, the Federal Government has issued a strict directive to contractors handling major road projects across Nigeria. They are not to close their construction sites during the Christmas and New Year holidays without explicit approval from the Ministry of Works.
Minister's Directive to Ease Festive Gridlock
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, gave the order during a meeting with contractors in Abuja on Tuesday, December 23rd. He specifically cited the severe embarrassment caused by the gridlock on the Abuja-Lokoja expressway over the past weekend. A standoff between truck drivers and military personnel had left thousands of yuletide travellers stranded overnight on the ever-congested road.
"I plead with you to free the roads, because we were thoroughly embarrassed by the Abuja-Lokoja road, and we do not want a repeat of that situation," the Minister stated. The directive covers critical arteries including:
- Abuja-Lokoja Expressway
- Lagos-Port Harcourt Expressway
- Keffi-Makurdi Expressway
- Abuja-Kano Expressway
- Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
- Sokoto-Zamfara Expressway
New Payment Structure and N2.13 Trillion Debt Verification
In a significant policy shift, Minister Umahi announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all inherited NNPCL Tax Credit road projects must continue, but payment will now be handled directly by the Ministry of Works, not the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The Minister revealed that the Federal Government has directed NNPCL to pay N263 billion to contractors. However, he stressed that contractors must first exit all previous agreements related to the NNPCL contracts before being considered for payment.
A major point of contention is the verification of outstanding debts. Umahi disclosed that the total debt owed to contractors from 2023 to date stands at a staggering N2.13 trillion. He insisted that payment will only commence after these figures are clearly confirmed. "Each of you being owed should come with evidence," he told the contractors.
For debts incurred before his tenure began in 2023, the Minister stated that the government would involve anti-graft agencies and the Office of the Auditor-General before any payment is made.
Overhaul of Supervision and FERMA's New Mandate
To address systemic issues, Umahi announced a major overhaul of project supervision. From January 7, 2026, every NNPCL project will have a ministry director assigned to it. Furthermore, all regional directors and senior directors are mandated to be in the field, each supervising specific projects, with a requirement for full digitalization of processes.
In a related development, the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, declared a new focus for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). From 2026, FERMA will be barred from undertaking minor projects like solar light installations and must concentrate its efforts and resources on major repairs, including collapsed bridges and critical highways.
"FERMA must do roads and not solar lights. I will not go to commission solar lights done by FERMA. Nigerians are tired of excuses, and this is the time to work," Goronyo asserted. He also directed FERMA's management to use concrete instead of asphalt for road repairs, signalling a potential shift in construction methodology.
The Minister of Works expressed frustration with the state of some projects, suggesting that despite previous contract awards, little tangible work was done. "What we are supposed to be doing in some of these projects is continuation, but it would seem we are starting all over," he lamented.
