Umahi Sets April, June 2026 Deadline for Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway Completion

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has announced new deadlines for two critical federal road projects, setting April 2026 for the completion and commissioning of the Abuja–Lokoja highway and June 2026 for the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway.

Umahi disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection tour of projects in the North-Central zone. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction but praised the quality of the completed section.

“The quality of the job is excellent, but the pace of work is nonsense,” he said, warning contractors against unnecessary delays.

“We are going to agree on what you can finish within the next year and set milestone targets. If you complete from here to here, you get paid. Those who cannot meet up will have their jobs divided and given to those who can. This is an advance notice to start another gang.”

The minister stressed that contractors who fail to meet the Federal Government’s timelines would have their contracts revoked and reassigned to more competent firms. He further revealed plans to revisit project sites in November, stating that persistent underperformance would lead to contract termination.

On the Abuja–Lokoja highway, Umahi announced that the ₦56 billion project had been redesigned to feature concrete pavement instead of asphalt, covering all 53 kilometers without additional costs.

For the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road, the minister explained that the project is divided into three sections and would require an estimated ₦761 billion for completion.

Umahi also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)-funded projects must continue, but only on the basis of merit.

The minister, while noting similar challenges on the Benin–Warri Road, said another inspection would be carried out there next week.