FG’ll Adopt Full Concrete Road Policy From 2026, Says Umahi

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that beginning from 2026, all new federal road projects will be constructed using concrete pavement.

He said the decision became necessary after several asphalt-based projects executed by previous contractors showed early signs of failure.

The Minister, who dropped the hint on Thursday while inspecting some sections of the Abuja–Kano highway, explained that concrete roads offer better durability and long-term value.

Umahi also disclosed that concessioning completed roads for tolling and regular maintenance is the most realistic financing model.

He dismissed claims by some contractors that they can fund multi-billion-naira projects upfront as untrue.

“From next year, any new project we are doing must be on concrete. Because even the ones done by the previous contractor, we have witnessed that they’re already failing.

“And that’s why we must have to concession this road so that the ones that are completed will be maintained.

“And this is what is feasible. When people say they can bring money to do a road, a road like this, which costs not less than 2.5bn per kilometre, and then you say you have the money to do it, it’s not true.

“They are just pretending. But what is most feasible is that when this road is completed, they can now toll it and maintain it.

“And that is very important. So, the work is ongoing. The quality is very wonderful”, he said.

He said Section one of the project covers 118 kilometres at ₦252bn, with half of the cost already paid.

“Seventeen kilometres around Kano are being rebuilt from the ground up, while a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension is nearing completion, Sections one and three already have 8 kilometres of completed concrete pavement, with more ongoing”, he added.

According to him, Section two covers 72 kilometres, mostly concrete, valued at ₦502bn.

The Minister, who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the job, however criticised claims that little work had been done.

He said the job is just six months old and remains a priority legacy project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Umahi, who also addressed concerns over the sustainability and maintenance of the concrete pavement roads, explained that the government expects to efficiently recoup its investment under the new technology now being deployed nationwide.

“There is what is called the defect liability period. In all road construction, it takes one year. So when the project is completed and handed over to us, the contractors, you know, we retain five per cent of the certificate in every payment.

“On completion, we will release 50 per cent of that, so, we retain 2.5 per cent. After one year, if he has maintained the road, then we will release the balance. But what we are doing in the majority of our roads is to do, operate and maintain”, he said.