The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure capable of lasting between 50 and 100 years.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ahmed said the Minister made the statement during a follow-up inspection of ongoing works on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) on October 28, 2025.
Speaking to newsmen, Engr. Umahi explained that the Ministry was adopting modern construction methods and using materials that ensure road longevity and sustainability under varying climatic and traffic conditions.
“You cannot achieve a better California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by simply bringing laterite on the road. The existing subgrade, which has consolidated over years of traffic, has a stronger bearing capacity than a new one. That is why we are changing the approach — we are insisting on milling, stabilising, and strengthening, rather than removing old asphalt layers and replacing them with new materials,” he said.
Umahi praised the contractor, Messrs Infiouest International Limited for the quality of work done so far, noting that the project’s design was among the most advanced in the country. He further explained the engineering method being applied to ensure lasting results.
“Wherever we have potholes within the carriageway, we don’t just patch. We treat the entire section using a stone base and, where necessary, stabilise it with cement. On the shoulders, we excavate about 10 centimeters below the existing asphalt, refill with a stone base slightly above the level, and compact properly. This ensures stability and prevents water from undermining the structure,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that proper milling and concrete reinforcement at critical points were key to extending the life span of Nigerian roads. “Our design now prioritises rigid pavement (concrete roads) for major highways, while flexible pavements (asphaltic roads) are being phased out gradually. Where asphalt is used, we are introducing concrete shoulders to enhance strength and prevent failure. The goal is to ensure that no section of the road fails prematurely,” he further explained.
He also cautioned Engineers and Contractors against tampering with existing asphalt layers that were structurally stable. “Asphalt has a designed lifespan of about 25 years. When it is milled and recycled properly, it can serve even longer. We must adopt international best practices and stop unnecessary replacement of strong materials,” he advised.
Engr. Umahi concluded by reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects meet the highest quality standards and deliver value to Nigerians. “We are building roads that will stand the test of time — roads that will last 50 to 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth, he affirmed.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo has also reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remained fully committed to improving the road infrastructure across the nation.
He commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his dedication and hands-on approach in the field, particularly in mentoring and inspiring young Engineers to contribute, meaningfully, to national development.
The Director of Highways, Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, also commended the pace and quality of work being executed by the Contractor, noting that the Minister’s consistent inspection visits were helping to ensure timely and high-standard project delivery.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Aboue Jaoude, stated that the company had deployed about 300 units of equipment to the project to ensure efficient operations and the delivery of quality work within schedule.
