By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a firm directive banning contractors from removing asphalt from any federal road across Nigeria, describing the practice as unacceptable and wasteful.
Umahi gave the directive on Saturday in Enugu while briefing journalists after an extensive inspection of ongoing federal road projects in parts of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, including the Enugu–Ebonyi axis.
According to the minister, significant progress has already been recorded on the Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor, with one kilometre fully completed and another three kilometres nearing completion.
“We have directed that no place in the country should lead asphalt be removed from our roads again. We have different treatments for different roads, but asphalt removal is no longer acceptable,” Umahi said.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Works has ordered an immediate redesign of road construction methods nationwide to improve durability and value for money. Under the new directive, road shoulders both inner standards will be constructed with concrete, while the carriageway will undergo milling and reinforcement.
Umahi disclosed that the redesigned carriageway will include a 10-centimetre stone base mixed with 3.5 per cent cement, followed by the application of a 16mm binder and a 40mm wearing course.
He added that solar-powered streetlights would also be installed along major corridors.
On the Enugu–Port Harcourt road, the minister assured Nigerians that all outstanding issues inherited on the project would be resolved before the end of 2026.
“The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I know, will end the entire previous mess of that project from Enugu to Port Harcourt within 2026. It shall come to pass,” he declared.
Speaking on the Enugu–Ebonyi federal road project, Umahi commended the Enugu State Government for its ongoing dualisation work from the airport junction in Enugu to the boundary between Enugu and Ebonyi states.
He said the Federal Government is reconstructing the remaining stretch from the boundary through Ebonyi towards the Enugu–Benue axis, noting that the project, valued at about ₦180 billion, will be executed in phases.
“We cannot do everything at the same time. The project will be phased within the contract limit. Phase one must be completed this year; it cannot go into next year. Phase two can extend into next year,” Umahi stressed.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, modern road infrastructure across the South-East and South-South regions, while urging contractors to strictly adhere to the new standards.