Umahi Denies Mikano’s Involvement In Abuja–Kaduna Road Project
The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has clarified that the Federal Ministry of Works did not award the Abuja–Kaduna Road contract to Mikano International Limited.
According to the Minister, the contract was duly awarded to Infiouest International Limited in line with established procurement procedures and transparency standards.
Umahi made the clarification on February 12, 2026, while briefing journalists at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Mabushi, Abuja. He said the Ministry deemed it necessary to correct public misconceptions and provide accurate information regarding federal road contracts.
Raises Alarm Over Vandalism
The Minister also drew attention to the growing rate of vandalism of critical road infrastructure nationwide, describing it as a serious threat to national development.
He cited recent incidents along the Lagos Coastal Road corridor, where protective structures and road components were deliberately damaged. Umahi explained that flooding recorded in some sections of the coastal highway was largely caused by the blockage of underground drainage systems with refuse, stressing the need for public cooperation in safeguarding infrastructure.
He commended the Lagos State Government, security agencies, and the Nigeria Police for deploying personnel to protect critical infrastructure and combat acts of vandalism. He further warned that the parking of heavy trucks on bridges creates structural stress, as bridges are not designed to withstand static heavy loads. According to him, some offenders have already been arrested and are being prosecuted.
Shift to Concrete Road Technology
Umahi highlighted the Federal Government’s adoption of reinforced concrete pavement technology for major highways, noting that such roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years, compared to conventional asphalt roads.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for supporting long-term infrastructure development and approving strategic road projects across the country.
Among key projects, the Minister announced the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road by 8.7 kilometres to connect it to the East–West Road using concrete pavement technology. He also noted progress on major legacy corridors, including the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri route.
In addition, he disclosed plans to expand CCTV surveillance on major bridges and highways to curb vandalism and enhance monitoring.
Umahi emphasized that federal road projects are distributed based on national development priorities rather than regional considerations, urging Nigerians to promote unity and protect public assets.
FG Takes Over NNPCL-Funded Road Projects
Addressing the status of road projects initiated under Executive Order 007 and previously funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Minister announced that the Federal Ministry of Works has officially taken over supervision and payment responsibilities.
He clarified that NNPCL will no longer directly pay contractors for those projects, in line with new federal directives.
Umahi disclosed that ₦127 billion has been released by President Tinubu for the continuation of the projects, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to completing inherited infrastructure initiatives. However, he noted that an estimated ₦7 trillion will be required to complete all NNPCL-funded road projects nationwide.
The Minister further revealed that the Federal Government inherited 6,604 ongoing federal road and bridge projects, with a projected completion cost of ₦16.9 trillion. He stressed that President Tinubu has directed that all inherited projects must be completed, underscoring infrastructure development as a top priority of the administration.
Commitment to Transparency
Umahi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in project execution, assuring Nigerians of the government’s resolve to deliver quality infrastructure that meets international standards.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, thanked members of the media for their partnership in national development. He urged journalists and the public to verify facts and provide constructive feedback to support improved service delivery.
