FG Addresses Public Complaints, Issues Tough Directives To China Harbour On Road Projects

FG addresses public complaints, issues tough directives to China Harbour on road projects. The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, officials of the Ministry and those of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), concessionaires on the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway, held on Thursday, 5 February, 2026 at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja.

During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, and firm warnings and directives were issued to safeguard public health, ensure quality delivery, and sustainability, also to protect government investment.

Engr. Umahi disclosed that the Ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose environmental and health risks to residents on the corridor. Therefore, he directed that the Permanent Secretary issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, to be implemented. He warned that failure to resolve the issue within 7 days would lead to the project’s suspension.

On the Dualisation of the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister stated that although the project was started by the previous government, the present one completed some sections and tolled them. It was, however, observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling. Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five (5) kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work.

He further directed that other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention given to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control. In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works.

Engr. Umahi emphasised the need for improved highway safety management, directing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the Highways.

Whilst expressing deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja. He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries have not been deployed with minimal site clearance being carried out. In this regard, he also warned that “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.”

The Minister made it abundantly clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds. He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development.

David Umahi

Highlighting the administration’s inheritance of projects, Engr. Umahi stated that the government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, he confirmed. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and much more.

Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be taken on all construction sites, adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial
Road and the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararraba-Lafia road.

The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
6 February, 2026.

President Tinubu Calls For Unity, Religious Tolerance To Boost National Security

President Tinubu calls for unity, religious tolerance to boost national security. The president urged Nigerians to reject narratives that portray the country as intolerant of religious freedom.

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence to enhance national security and development.

Mr Tinubu made the call at the 4th International Conference of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue at Bayero University, Kano.
Mr Tinubu was represented at the event by the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris.

This was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu commended the Centre and the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, for sustaining dialogue that promotes peace and national cohesion.

“This conference continues to uphold the ideals of our nation’s peace and unity through dialogue.
“I am honoured by this invitation, ” the president said.

He described the conference’s focus on the legacy of the late Sheikh Mahmud Abubakar Gummi as timely and instructive.
Mr Tinubu said the renowned Islamic scholar played a significant role in promoting national unity during critical moments in Nigeria’s history.

According  to him, Mr Gummi understood the intersection of faith and politics and worked closely with authorities after independence and the civil war to promote oneness and peaceful coexistence.
The president described Mr Gummi as a distinguished scholar, reformer, and national figure whose influence extended beyond religious circles.

He said Mr Gummi was a teacher, a reformer, an advisor, and a prodigious writer, who mentored generations to believe in the indivisibility of Nigeria, in work and in worship.

Addressing current national challenges, the president urged Nigerians to reject narratives that portray the country as intolerant of religious freedom.
“We must strengthen our resolve for a more united country.
“Recent attempts to misrepresent Nigeria as a nation that undermines religious freedom must be firmly resisted.

“Our national security is tied to our unity, togetherness, and respect for religious diversity; we must forge a united front against those who seek to divide us,” Mr Tinubu said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and confronting criminality across the country.

President Tinubu

According to him, his administration was working assiduously to protect life and property and to execute the fight against terror with all that is at the government’s disposal.
He disclosed that over 7,000 trained forest guards have been deployed nationwide to deny criminals access to forest corridors.
He added that efforts were ongoing to entrench community policing through state policing in line with constitutional processes.

Following the declaration of a national security emergency in November 2025, Mr Tinubu said security operations have been expanded and reinforced in states affected by banditry and terrorism.
“We have optimised intelligence-led operations to disrupt and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks,” he said.

The president also highlighted Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States, stressing that it was focused on counterterrorism and civilian protection while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Our security alliance with the United States is strategic, focused on protecting vulnerable communities, and operationally led by Nigerian troops,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to uphold shared values and peaceful coexistence, describing unity as the foundation for lasting peace.

Mohammed Idris Says “Census No Longer Optional For Nigeria, Data Key To Planning”

Mohammed Idris says “Census no longer optional for Nigeria, data key to planning”. The federal government says a national population and housing census is not optional for Nigeria, noting that it is critical to effective planning and sustainable development.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Aminu Yusuf, chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).

The minister said accurate data is critical to effective national planning.
“Data is key to whatever planning you intend to do; if you can’t measure, you can’t plan and if you can’t plan, the results are predictable, therefore, census is not optional for us,” he said.

Idris commended the NPC’s commitment to preparedness and transparency, assuring that President Bola Tinubu will proclaim a new census date at the appropriate time.
“We are waiting for the president’s proclamation, which is the basis for the legal and financial framework of the exercise,” he said.

“The ministry and its agencies stand ready to provide full media and communication support once that announcement is made.”

Yusuf said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and enhancing media partnerships ahead of the forthcoming national census and other activities of the commission.

He thanked the minister for granting audience to the NPC delegation despite his tight schedule, describing the gesture as “a demonstration of his enduring commitment to national development, responsive governance, and public service”.

The NPC chairman commended the federal ministry of information and national orientation and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for their roles in public enlightenment and mobilisation during preparations for the previously scheduled census.

He also praised government-owned media organisations under the ministry’s supervision for amplifying census messages nationwide.

“This collective effort clearly demonstrated how coordinated government communication can build trust, stimulate participation, and promote national ownership of vital public programmes,” Yusuf said.
He assured the minister that the commission has remained operationally focused and technically prepared despite the postponement of the census.

According to him, the NPC continues to refine its processes to ensure a transparent, efficient, and credible census once a new date is announced by the federal government.
Yusuf said the commission is also strengthening the civil registration and vital statistics system to ensure real-time registration of births and deaths nationwide.

Census No Longer Optional

He said sustained government media support through dedicated airtime and coverage across broadcast and digital platforms is needed to deepen public awareness of the commission’s programmes.

Responding, Idris reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to support the NPC’s communication and advocacy efforts.

“Our partnership with the National Population Commission is key; we are only performing our duty, we do not even have an option,” the minister said.
“This is the mandate that we have as ministry of information and national orientation, to be in the forefront of advocacy of government policies and programmes.

“The ministry of information and national orientation is ever ready to partner with you to ensure a very credible national census.”
In July 2023, the NPC chairman, after meeting with Tinubu, said the nation’s leader would announce new dates for the census.

In April 2025, Tinubu inaugurated a high-level committee for the exercise.

The last time Nigeria conducted a census was in 2006 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.