Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the Abuja-Lokoja highway will be completed and commissioned in April 2026, warning contractors against delays.
Speaking during an inspection tour on Saturday, Umahi criticised the slow pace of construction but praised the quality of ongoing work.
“The quality is excellent, but the pace is nonsense,” Umahi said. “By April 2026, this ₦56 billion project must be completed. Those unable to meet targets will lose their contracts.”
He explained that contractors would be paid based on milestone delivery, stressing that any failure to accelerate work would attract sanctions.
The highway, originally designed with asphalt, was redesigned in reinforced concrete after consultations. The project spans 53 kilometres.
Umahi also inspected the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, slated for completion in June 2026 at a cost of ₦761 billion. Sections one and three, covering 118 kilometres, are already 30 per cent funded, while section two will combine concrete and asphalt.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the projects and ensuring NNPC funding.
“This president has shown unmatched commitment to infrastructure. Contractors must double their efforts—Nigerians are yearning for good roads,” Goronyo said.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
