By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has ordered all contractors working on federal highways to immediately reopen closed road sections following a crippling traffic gridlock on the Lokoja–Abuja Expressway during the Yuletide travel season.

The directive was issued during an emergency meeting with contractors and senior officials at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, after thousands of motorists were stranded for hours on one of the country’s most critical transport corridors, Lokoja – Abuja highways.

He stressed that “No Contractor Has the Right to Close Roads Without Approval”

Addressing the meeting, Umahi made it clear that no contractor is permitted to shut down any section of a federal road without written approval from the ministry.
“Closing a road without authorization is unacceptable.

He added “Contractors must seek approval before closing any site, and traffic flow must always be prioritized,” the minister said.

He emphasized that while road construction is necessary, public inconvenience must be minimized, particularly during peak travel periods such as Christmas and New Year holidays.

Umahi described the Lokoja–Abuja traffic standstill as “deeply embarrassing” for the government, noting that poor traffic management at construction sites worsened the situation.
He ordered:
Immediate reopening of all blocked lanes
Deployment of traffic control measures
Collaboration with security agencies to ensure free flow of vehicles
“Even if construction must pause, the roads must be freed. Nigerians cannot continue to suffer unnecessary hardship,” he said.

On the New Rules for Contractors
The minister announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving accountability and efficiency, including:
Strict prohibition of unauthorized site closures
Mandatory traffic diversion plans before construction begins
Direct supervision of projects by ministry directors
Sanctions for defaulting contractors.

He warned that contractors who fail to comply risk having their contracts reviewed or revoked.

Speaking on NNPC Projects and Funding Assurance
Umahi also addressed concerns over stalled projects previously funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), confirming that the President has directed the continuation and payment of all inherited projects.

He disclosed that ₦260 billion has been approved to settle outstanding claims, with a special committee already set up to verify and fast-track payments.
“No contractor will be punished for government delays. But discipline and transparency are non-negotiable,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Minister announced that the ministry will introduce a digital monitoring system where:
Every project will be uploaded to a public website
Contractors will submit updates online
Certifications and evaluations will be completed within 48 hours
This, he said, would eliminate delays, corruption, and disputes over payments.
Minister of State Pledges Full Enforcement.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, pledged full support for the reforms, describing them as a “new era” for Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
“Nigerians are tired of excuses.

This administration is committed to action, accountability, and visible results,” he said.
‘Renewed Hope Must Reflect in Action’ — Permanent Secretary
In closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works said the reforms mark “the dawn of a new era”, urging contractors to embrace professionalism and national responsibility.
“Renewed Hope must not just be spoken—it must be seen in how we work,” he said