Minister of Works, David Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is drawing the curtain on over three decades of poorly constructed roads across Nigeria, replacing them with durable, high-quality infrastructure designed to stand the test of time.
During an inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway project on Tuesday, Umahi revealed that the Federal Government had embraced new engineering standards and cutting-edge technologies capable of delivering roads that could last between 50 and 100 years without requiring major repairs.
Reflecting on the country’s infrastructure history, Umahi noted that road projects built over the past 30 years were below standard. “Each administration keeps returning to fix the same roads,” he said. “The question is, why? The problem lies in the construction methods we’ve used. That’s why I say President Bola Tinubu is not just constructing roads—he’s building roads.”
He emphasized that the current administration was determined to set a new benchmark. “This Abuja–Kaduna–Kano project will serve as a model,” Umahi continued. “The President is sending a clear message—these roads are meant to last 50 to 100 years. Once completed, they won’t need any major touch-up for decades.”
Umahi also criticized past construction approaches, pointing out that the methods used by some contractors were fundamentally flawed. He cited an instance where Julius Berger removed asphalt and replaced it with laterite, a decision he described as technically unsound.
“There’s something called the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), which measures the strength of the sub-base,” he explained. “When you take out old, well-compacted material and replace it with fresh laterite, the new layer doesn’t have the same level of compaction and consolidation. That’s why those sections start failing, even during construction.”
According to the minister, asphalt has an average lifespan of just 25 years before it begins to deteriorate. “President Tinubu is changing that narrative with the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway,” Umahi assured. “This project will endure for at least 50 years.”
Umahi added that the first section of the project, stretching from four kilometers into Kogi State to Katari, would be completed ahead of schedule—by February 2026.
“The President has already approved over ₦120 billion for this section alone, demonstrating his commitment and love for Nigerians, especially our brothers and sisters in the North,” Umahi stated.
He explained that the first phase, worth ₦252 billion, covers about 118 kilometers—86 kilometers in rigid concrete pavement and 17 kilometers of wearing course in Kano. “An additional 12 kilometers have also been dualized in Kano, and solar-powered streetlights are being installed,” he added.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who accompanied Umahi on the inspection, commended the ministry’s team for their dedication to delivering quality infrastructure, particularly on the economically vital Abuja–Kaduna route.
“Once again, we are here to serve—we have no time to waste,” Goronyo said. “With 285 pieces of equipment deployed across the corridor, we are working tirelessly to meet and even beat our completion targets.”
He lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, describing it as a transformative step toward Nigeria’s economic revival.
(NAN)
