Works Minister Umahi Raise Alarm Over Misuse Of Roads, Warns Against Parking Of Tankers, Others

Works Minister Umahi raise alarm over misuse of roads, warns against parking of tankers, Others. As young engineers set to understudy the project under the President’s mentorship program

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has raised serious concern over the damaging practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, warning that such actions pose direct threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure.

The Minister made this known during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project, Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

“Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road.”

He emphasized that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles.

“No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.”

With the total project cost exceeding ₦230 billion ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two the Minister stressed that such investments must be protected.

“Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?”

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project.

“I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” the Minister stated.

He explained that although funding by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceased in August 2025, the President promptly approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring that work continued uninterrupted.

“We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work.”

The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features.

In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development, the Minister disclosed plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu.

“We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold.”

Providing an update on timelines, the Minister noted that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026.

“They have promised me that before May 25th that one carriageway of this very innovative construction will be completed and before August the first phase of this project would have been totally completed.”

He further expressed confidence that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year.

Works Minister Umahi

The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability.

“We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result.”

The Honourable Minister concluded by calling on Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure.

“Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it.”

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
March 22, 2026.

Remi Tinubu Condemns Ozoro ‘Rape Festival’, Says “No Tradition Allows Violation Of Women’s Rights”

Remi Tinubu condemns Ozoro ‘rape festival. Mrs Tinubu maintained that no custom can justify violence or abuse against women.

In a statement on her X page on Sunday, Mrs Tinubu said she watched “horrific viral footage” showing girls being physically and sexually assaulted and subjected to humiliation and cruel treatment during what was meant to be a community celebration.

While expressing respect for Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditions, she mentioned that no custom can justify violence or abuse against women.

Oluremi Tinubu

“No tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl,” she said.

The first lady commended the Nigeria Police Force for the arrest of suspects and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

She also encouraged victims to seek medical and psychological help, and offered her prayers.

Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye said the situation had continued to deteriorate despite assurances and reforms introduced by authorities.

He described unreliable electricity as a major setback to the federal government’s reforms in the power sector.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene, noting that poor power supply is worsening economic hardship across the country.

Oyintiloye said the poor supply has compounded the effects of the current heatwave, making living conditions more difficult for many Nigerians.

The former lawmaker called for the constitution of a panel to investigate recurring national grid collapses and persistent supply challenges despite significant investments.

“It is a terrible situation across Nigeria with persistent poor power supply,” he said.

“Many small-scale businesses and large industrial players are affected, while most homes cannot boast of even three hours of electricity supply daily for domestic use.

“Despite numerous reforms and promises, the national grid continues to collapse. The situation is now compounded by gas supply shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment across the power value chain.

“Nigerians are groaning, and urgent action must be taken by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team. The situation cannot continue like this.”

Oyintiloye warned that the situation has already triggered protests in parts of the country and could escalate if not addressed promptly.

“The situation must be quickly addressed before it becomes a national embarrassment. Nigerians need to be informed whether the issue is due to structural failure or sabotage within the power sector,” he said.

Electricity

“This epileptic power supply has led to a series of peaceful protests nationwide. I appeal for the President’s intervention before these protests turn violent.

“Electricity is essential for households and the survival of businesses. Since the end of last year, there has been no stable power supply across the country, despite assurances by those in charge and huge investments in the sector.

“Poor power supply should not be added to the challenges Nigerians are currently facing. The high cost of fuel has also made it difficult for those relying on generators to cope.”