Umahi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that all road projects be forwarded to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for verification, describing the move as unprecedented. He added that an online platform is being developed to enable Nigerians track project status in real time.
The minister praised the president’s swift approval of funds to restore the Keffi flyover, which suffered a 20-metre structural failure earlier in the year. The repaired structure, fitted with modern safety features including a twin gantry crash-prevention system, was completed in four months.
During an inspection of the Abuja–Kano Dual Carriageway, Umahi explained that the project was redesigned due to technical gaps in the original plan. He said the adoption of continuous reinforced concrete pavement technology would enhance durability and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
He dismissed claims of slow progress, noting that the redesigned work is only six months old and remains a priority legacy project of the Tinubu administration. He also highlighted the government’s new build–operate–maintain model aimed at improving sustainability and boosting revenue through tolling.
Opposition political figures who joined the inspection tour commended the quality and pace of work. PDP chieftain Otunba Segun Showunmi and ADC representative Dr Kanti Uthman both described the progress on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and Keffi flyover as impressive.
Technical officials confirmed that all structural components of the Keffi flyover have been fully reinstated and are ready for use, with the new gantry system already preventing further crashes.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to road infrastructure and lauded Umahi’s leadership, assuring continued support from ministry staff.
