Christmas:Umahi Summons Emergency Meeting, Orders Opening Of Federal Roads

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has summoned an emergency meeting of top officials and contractors in the Federal Ministry of Works as part of measures to ensure smooth traffic flow and safe travel during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

According to an official notice issued on behalf of the Ministry, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Rafiu O. Adeladan, on Monday, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja.

The statement listed Directors, Zonal Directors, and Controllers of Works in the Ministry, as well as Managing Directors and Project Managers of construction companies handling federal road projects nationwide as attendees.

It quoted the Minister as directing all Controllers of Works to ensure that all federal roads currently under construction, as well as those already completed within their respective zones, are opened to commuters throughout the festive period.

THE WHISTLER learnt that the directive was aimed at easing vehicular movement, reducing travel time, and enhancing safety for road users during the peak holiday season.

The Ministry emphasised that the order applies nationwide and is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve road safety and travel experience for Nigerians during the Christmas rush.

The statement directed all the concerned officials and contractors to comply fully with the minister’s instructions.

THE WHISTLER had previously reported that
Umahi had on Sunday night announced that normal traffic flow has been restored to the Abuja – Lokoja Highway.

THE WHISTLER recalls that the long traffic, which lasted for hours followed a disruption occasioned by a standoff between truck drivers and military personnel over the weekend.

The incident, which reportedly involved the smashing of a truck’s windscreen, led to a blockade of a portion of the road by truck drivers, resulting in severe traffic gridlock along the alignment.

The development caused significant delays and hardship to road users travelling towards Lokoja and other destinations during this festive season.