The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed federal road contractors to immediately stop closing project sites without authorisation, stressing that key highways and bridges must remain open throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Umahi also instructed directors in the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Controllers of Works nationwide to suspend their holiday plans and remain at their duty posts to ensure that ongoing road projects do not hinder the free flow of traffic during the festive period.
The directive was issued on Tuesday in Abuja during an emergency meeting with ministry directors and contractors, where the minister expressed concern over what he described as the abandonment of project sites by some contractors under the pretext of holidays, despite deteriorating road conditions across the country.
According to Umahi, critical road projects, including the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Abuja drainage canals, and major corridors in Sokoto, Katsina and Kebbi states, must not be shut under any circumstances due to their strategic importance.
“No contractor is permitted to close a site without the approval of the Federal Ministry of Works. Some sites must not close at all. Abuja–Lokoja cannot close,” the minister said.
He added that several routes are too vital to be blocked, urging contractors to prioritise public convenience and safety. “Some corridors are simply too critical. Contractors who may be taking holidays should understand what is happening at their sites. Don’t close the roads. Open them for vehicular movements,” Umahi said.
