Umahi Orders Immediate Emergency Intervention on Benin-Asaba Road, Other Critical Federal Roads

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Federal Road to restore the failed sections and bring an end to the suffering of motorists and other road users.
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This is because, the situation on the concessioned Benin-Asaba Road has reached a point where the overall public interest must take precedence over the existing concession agreement.

Recall that the Honourable Minister of Works was on the Benin-Asaba Road about seven days ago, where he assembled a number of contractors and directed them to prepare for immediate palliative intervention on the affected sections of the road at no cost to the concessionaire. In line with the Concession agreement which requires that before the Federal Government could intervene, the permission of the concessionaire must be required, and that permission was not granted to federal government.

The Minister subsequently proposed three options to the concessionaire, any one of which would have enabled the Federal Government to move in and address the worsening condition of the road. Unfortunately, none of the options was accepted by the concessionaire. Immediately after the Minister left Asaba, the already limited equipment deployed to the road by the concessionaire was further reduced to just one, worsening the situation and increasing the suffering of motorists and other road users.

While the Minister takes responsibility for the concerns and suffering of Nigerians using the road, it is important to state that the concessionaire has also not taken the suffering of Edo people and travelling public sufficiently into consideration by declining all the options put forward by the Federal Government. The concessionaire continues to rely on the terms of the concession agreement entered into by the previous administration, an agreement which weighs heavily against the Federal Government’s ability to intervene quickly in the interest of the public in a situation like this.

In view of this situation, the Honourable Minister of Works has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed sections and bring relief to the people, with the cost of the emergency intervention being borne by the Federal Government. The Honourable Minister has also directed immediate redesign of the entire route to be rebuilt with reinforced concrete pavement. The public should therefore take note that immediate action is underway to restore every failed section of the Benin-Asaba Road and subsequently rehabilitate the entire sections of the road using reinforced concrete pavement.

2. On the Benin-Sapele Road:
The Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government are currently engaged in interventions on different sections of the road to restore the entire route. While some sections are receiving palliative attention, permanent works are also ongoing on other sections.

3. On Ifaki(Ekiti) – Kabba (Kogi) Road:
The Federal Government is engaging both the contractor; Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, and Dangote PLC on immediate emergency and permanent intervention on the most failed sections of the road, while efforts are being made to financially mobilise the company for more extensive permanent work to commence on the axis.

4. On the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Road: This is an inherited project involving the dualisation of approximately 350 kilometres, which translates to about 700 kilometers. The project has since been redesigned and is currently ongoing and most sections are being reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement. From the Sokoto axis towards Zamfara, over 50 kilometres of one carriageway have been fully completed with reinforced concrete pavement. From Zamfara to Katsina, some sections have been completed and palliative works have been ordered over the sections that have not been reconstructed. However, the pace of work slowed down due to the redesign and rephasing of the project. The contractors currently engaged on the road include CBC, SETRACO, Triacta and Mothercat. They are being remobilised to return to site and complete the outstanding works.

5. On the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: The Federal Government took over the Road project and has currently completed the 118-kilometer mostly on reinforced concrete pavement on lot 1. The Lot 2, which covers 164 kilometres, is over 60 percent completed on reinforced concrete pavement. The Federal Government has also introduced solar-powered light on the entire route of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria – Kano to improve visibility during night travel and enhance the overall security situation on the route. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

6. On Bauchi-Jigawa Road: Triacta Nigeria Limited has been mobilised to carry out the necessary interventions on some failed sections and work is currently ongoing in those failed sections.

7. On the Sagamu-Ore Road: 48 Kilometers of the 96-kilometre road have already been completed using reinforced concrete pavement. There is also a 24-kilometre section around Ore which was abandoned by the previous contractor. The Federal Government has directed its immediate restoration to ensure seamless travel. Solar lights are being installed in the entire 96kilometer of the road.

8. On Flooded Sections on Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road: The flooded sections on the same corridor between Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road, as well as other flooded sections in Ondo State, are being designed for emergency procurement and intervention.

9. On the East-West Road:
Some failed and critical sections, including defective sections of bridges along the East-West Road, are being marked out for emergency procurement and intervention.

10. On the Abuja-Lokoja Road:
Several contracts are ongoing along the route, while the three critical sections currently without contracts are being procured for emergency intervention.

11. On the Lokoja-Benin-Warri Road: The President has directed a complete redesign and procurement of the 400-kilometre dualised route covering the uncompleted sections, using reinforced concrete pavement, while palliative works will continue with the contractors currently on the road.

12. On Carter Bridge:
While the Federal Government continues to undertake weekly maintenance of the underwater elements of the bridge. The site has also been handed over to the contractor, CCECC, for the construction of a permanent new bridge, and work has commenced.

13. On the Third Mainland Bridge:
With regard to the defective underwater structural elements, the Federal Government is at the final stage of determining the appropriate intervention for the repair of the affected elements.

14. On the flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Road: Work has commenced on the affected section. There are also several flooded sections on federal roads across the six geopolitical zones, largely occasioned by excessive flooding and the effects of climate change. The Federal Government is identifying and marking these sections for immediate attention.

15. On the First and Second Niger Bridges:
Intervention work is ongoing on the approach roads to the Second Niger Bridge damaged by flood and the work is progressing very well. The First Niger Bridge has been closed to traffic to enable immediate repair works. Contractor has mobilized to site and comprehensive rehabilitation of the bridge has started. From Summit Junction to the First Niger Bridge, massive rehabilitation work is also ongoing using reinforced concrete pavement.

16. The Honourable Minister wishes to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the massive work being undertaken on the nation’s roads since the administration assumed office in 2023.

17. It is important to state that when the present administration came into office, there was hardly any part of the country where one could travel for an hour without encountering significant challenges on the road network. The condition of the country’s roads and bridges was a major national infrastructure challenge.

18. Rather than shy away from the problem, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the nation’s road network a priority. Virtually every part of the country became a priority, and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, Regional Commissions, Parastatals and other MDA’s has continued to respond extensively to these challenges.

Umahi

19. The Federal Government is currently working on over 80 percent of the inherited federal roads, an unprecedented level of intervention in the country’s road infrastructure.

20. We ask the public to understand the enormous challenges inherited on our roads and bridges and to take note not only of the problems being solved, but also of the permanent solutions being introduced.

21. A major part of this new approach is the use of reinforced concrete pavement, designed to significantly extend the lifespan of major roads. These roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years. This means that roads being constructed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are being designed with future generations in mind, rather than simply providing temporary solutions to today’s problems. And this is a complete departure from the past, when roads often deteriorated only a few years after completion, resulting in a continuous cycle of reconstruction and expenditure.

22. We appreciate the concerns of Nigerians over the condition of some roads presently and the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters who cannot move easily from one point to another. Those concerns are legitimate, and the Federal Government is listening. But Nigerians should also recognise the enormous scale of the problems inherited and the amount of work currently being undertaken across the country.

23. It is simply impossible to resolve every road challenge accumulated over many years of neglect by the past administrations within three years. What is important is that the government is working, the government is responding, and the government is putting permanent solutions in place.

25. We appreciate members of the public who send situation reports on failed roads and other infrastructure challenges. These reports help the Ministry identify areas requiring urgent attention. However, we also appeal to members of the public to report when such problems have been addressed, just as they report when they occur.

24. We are aware of situations where photographs and reports of road challenges continue to circulate on social media even after the Federal Government has intervened and resolved the particular problem.

25. However, the Ministry will continue to respond as rapidly as possible to genuine reports and concerns from Nigerians.
26. It is also important to note that we have compiled a comprehensive record of all inherited, ongoing and intervention projects across the country which is available to the public. This is to ensure that Nigerians have access to information on the infrastructure projects being undertaken nationwide and can fully participate in and appreciate the infrastructure revolution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
September 8, 2026
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Navy Foils Reactivation of Illegal Refining Sites in Rivers, Recovers 360 Litres AGO

The Nigerian Navy has foiled an attempt to reactivate an illegal refining site in Rivers State, while recovering approximately 350 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in the Okolomade general area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
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The operation by NNS SOROH on 6 September 2026 followed credible intelligence on the reactivation of illegal refining activities in the area. Suspected operators fled on sighting the naval team, leaving behind the illegally refined product and two wheelbarrows believed to have been used in its movement.

In a related operation, the Base revisited a previously disrupted illegal refining site in the Ogbogolo area and rendered remaining metallic ovens, storage tanks and associated infrastructure unusable, effectively closing avenues for their further exploitation by criminal operators.

The interventions demonstrate a shift from merely disrupting illegal refining activities to denying operators the infrastructure required to repeatedly revive their operations, thereby constraining the resilience of illicit petroleum networks in the area.

Nigerian Navy

ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO

Navy Captain

Director Naval Information

Nigerian Navy
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Goronyo Receives Egypt Defence Attaches, Assures Stronger Nigeria-Egypt Cooperation

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, Esq., has received the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, in his office, pledging continued support for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
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Goronyo, who received the Egyptian military delegation during a courtesy visit today 8th September, 2026 in his office in Abuja, described the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as cordial and mutually beneficial, noting that both countries share historical and cultural. The Minister of State recalled his previous encounter with the outgoing Defence Attaché while serving at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, noting that it was a pleasant coincidence to receive him again in his current capacity at the Ministry of Works as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.

He commended Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim for his service and contribution to strengthening Nigeria-Egypt relations during his tenure, particularly his demonstration of patriotism, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty. According to him, the visit was significant as it not only provided an opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing Defence Attaché, but also to formally welcome his successor and assure him of Nigeria’s readiness to sustain the existing relationship.

Goronyo said the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt had continued to gain momentum under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with both countries exploring areas of mutual interest including trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development.

He said the growing partnership between the two countries demonstrated the importance of African nations working together to harness the continent’s enormous human and natural resources. He stressed that Africa had the population, resources and potential required to compete favourably with other continents, urging African countries to deepen cooperation and leverage their shared strengths for sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that the Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements reached between Nigeria and Egypt would continue to translate into tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, and the entire management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, I sincerely welcome you and thank you for this visit.
“We wish the outgoing Defence Attaché the very best in his future assignments and welcome the incoming Defence Attaché.

On our part, we will continue to provide the necessary support to enable you to discharge your responsibilities effectively.
“Our doors remain open, and we will continue to support one another for the progress of our two countries and for the benefit of humanity,” Goronyo said.

Earlier, the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for receiving him and his delegation, describing the meeting as particularly significant as he prepares to conclude his assignment in Nigeria. Colonel Ibrahim introduced the incoming Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, and said he was confident that the existing strong relationship between Egypt and Nigeria would be further strengthened under his successor.

He also disclosed that the Egyptian side had secured approval for the establishment of a Deputy Defence Attaché position, describing the development as another indication of the importance Egypt attaches to its bilateral and military relationship with Nigeria.

In his remarks, the incoming Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for the warm reception and pledged to work towards deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt. He said he was optimistic about his new assignment and looked forward to identifying more opportunities for collaboration, investment and exchange of capabilities between the two countries.

Goronyo

Colonel Mosaad noted that Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African countries, had a shared responsibility to contribute to the development and advancement of the continent through stronger partnerships. He expressed confidence that his tenure would further consolidate the longstanding friendship, cultural ties and cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting ended with renewed assurances of continued cooperation, mutual support and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.

Abdullahi Mohammed
SA Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works
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