The Federal Ministry of Works has adopted a funding prioritisation framework to guarantee the continuation of critical road projects earlier financed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the dualisation of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, on September 9, 2025, according to a statement on Tuesday.
Umahi explained that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all inherited NNPCL-funded projects must continue without interruption. According to Umahi, the ministry has compiled all projects inherited from NNPCL and submitted them to the President. He stressed that those along national economic corridors, such as the Eleme–Onne road, would receive top priority.
“Mr President has graciously directed that none of such works should stop.
We are going to prioritise the most critical projects and push them forward for immediate funding,” the minister said.
The works minister used the inspection visit to caution contractors against poor construction methods. He highlighted the practice of laying binder courses without covering them with a wearing course for months, which weakens roads and accelerates failure. Umahi directed federal controllers nationwide to enforce stricter supervision and warned that contracts below ₦20bn would no longer be awarded to expatriate firms.
“This is part of our Nigeria First policy,” he said, adding that any contractor violating terms would face scrutiny from anti-graft agencies. While praising Reynolds Construction Company for the quality of work on the Eleme–Onne project, Umahi expressed disappointment with the slow pace, citing the rains as no excuse.
He reaffirmed December 15, 2025 as the final completion deadline, stressing that there would be no extension, no price variation, and no additional claims. “The quality is excellent, but the pace is not acceptable. This project can never be reviewed by a kobo,” he warned.
Umahi also decried the destructive practice of heavy-duty vehicles parking on federal roads, particularly between Aba and Port Harcourt. He vowed to engage state governors and the Inspector-General of Police to find lasting solutions. “Our roads are not designed to carry these heavy trailers. They are destroying pavements and undermining the President’s efforts to build roads that should last 50 to 100 years,” he said.
Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Mrs Enwereama Tarilade, reported that RCC had completed 15km of the Eket-bound right carriageway and commenced work on the Port Harcourt-bound left carriageway, with 1km already laid on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement.
