The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the immediate mobilisation of additional equipment and personnel to accelerate the stalled rehabilitation of the Lambata–Lapai–Bida Road in Niger State.
Senator Umahi issued the directive during an inspection of the 124.8-kilometre project on Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction with the contractor’s progress.
The road, divided into two phases by the current administration, has faced prolonged delays. Phase one, spanning 92 kilometres from Lambata to Agai and valued at N39 billion, was originally scheduled for completion in 24 months but was extended by an additional two years.
Phase two, covering the critical Agai–Bida stretch, has yet to be awarded.
Represented at the site by Salihu Ahmed, Director of Highways in the North Central region, the minister’s displeasure was made clear.
“The mobilisation is not enough. You can’t explain what you are doing here.
”You have to bring more machines to this site. Palliative works should be ongoing so we won’t continue to have gridlocks, but you are only working on two locations,” Ahmed said.
The ministry plans to ‘re-scope’ the project to determine the remaining work and ensure rapid progress.
Project Manager of CGC Nigeria, Fan Bo, assured that additional equipment would be mobilised within days.
“Please do not worry. We promise to bring more machines and mobilise fully in the next few days,” he said.
Deputy Director of Construction at the Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development, Nasir Ahmed, added that the minister’s intervention aimed to ease traffic flow and reduce accidents along the busy corridor.
He also urged motorists, especially truck drivers, to exercise patience and follow safety instructions during construction.
In a related development, Umahi’s delegation paid a condolence visit to the District Head of Essa in Katcha Local Government Area, Muhammad Daud, following a recent tanker explosion along the route.
The district head called for stricter enforcement of road safety measures, condemning dangerous practices such as hanging or sleeping on moving heavy-duty vehicles.
The minister’s directives signal a renewed push to complete the long-delayed road project, restore smooth vehicular movement, and improve safety for commuters along the vital corridor.
