By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has announced that the fourth Legacy Road Project, the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road will soon be awarded, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for infrastructure development.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, while briefing journalists in Abuja. Umahi said the road project, which cuts across the North Central, North West and North East geopolitical zones, would commence in earnest once the contract is awarded, noting that it would significantly enhance mobility, boost economic activities and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Addressing the press, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across all regions, particularly the South East. He also responded to issues earlier raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia State, while appreciating South East governors for their support for the Tinubu administration. Umahi specifically commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for what he described as notable progress in the state.
Highlighting ongoing projects, the Minister cited the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which traverses nine littoral states, describing it as a long term national investment. He revealed that a substantial portion of Section I, Phase 1 of the project has already been opened to traffic, attracting positive feedback from residents of Lagos and its environs.
Umahi also dismissed allegations of irregularities in the procurement process of the highway project, stressing that the Public Procurement Act provides for three recognised procurement methods. He challenged critics to independently examine and compare procurement processes across states, insisting that transparency and accountability remain central to the Ministry’s operations.
Expressing concern over widespread vandalism and encroachment on road infrastructure, the Minister lamented that traders and motorists had taken over sections of major highways and bridges in parts of the country, posing serious safety risks. He also decried the activities of iron rod scavengers, warning that their actions compromise the structural integrity of roads.
To address these challenges, Umahi announced plans to engage the Inspector General of Police to activate “Operation Safe Highways” nationwide, a multi agency task force aimed at securing federal roads. He acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) during road inspections.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., urged Nigerians to visit project sites to assess the quality of work being delivered, addin
g that improvements such as solar-powered street lighting have enhanced safety on major roads. He also said anti-corruption agencies, including the ICPC and EFCC, were free to independently investigate the Ministry’s projects.
During the interactive session, the Minister confirmed that the contract for the construction of a flyover and bridges at Okoolowo and Shao in Kwara State would soon be awarded. He also directed immediate engagement with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to address traffic gridlock caused by road failure around Mogadishu Cantonment on the Mararaba axis.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry’s leadership and staff, while appreciating journalists for their participation and support.
The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to delivering safe, durable and efficient road infrastructure nationwide, assuring Nigerians of sustained engagement and transparency in the execution of its mandate.
