News
This Is Unacceptable’ — Umahi Orders Arrest Of Contractor Over ₦14bn Road Project
By Derick peretengboro
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of a contractor handling a ₦14 billion road project over alleged failure to complete critical works and worsening conditions along the affected section of the road.
Umahi described the situation as unacceptable, expressing concern over the hardship being experienced by motorists as a result of the deteriorating state of the expressway.
The minister directed officials of the Ministry of Works to immediately inspect the two bridges located along the affected section and assess about one kilometre of the road to determine urgent measures required to ease traffic congestion.
According to Umahi, the negligence of contractors working on the project contributed significantly to the worsening condition of parts of the expressway.
He stressed that even where payment for a project was delayed, contractors had a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent roads from becoming impassable.
“If a project is going on, whether there is payment or not, you cannot allow the situation of the road to be like this. It is your responsibility to at least insist for stone base to be used to fill these places,” the minister said.
Umahi warned that minor road interventions that could be handled with relatively small amounts of money should not be allowed to deteriorate into major problems that would further increase the suffering of road users.
“I don’t want to see this kind of embarrassment again. Places where even N20,000, N50,000 or N100,000 can fix should not be allowed to worsen the suffering of the people,” he stated.
The minister also ordered the immediate arrest of individuals found carrying out unauthorised dredging activities along roads under the supervision of the Ministry of Works.
Umahi directed ministry officials to take immediate action whenever such activities are discovered, regardless of the identity or status of those involved.
“If you see anybody that is doing dredging, I don’t want to know who the person is. You have to cause an arrest immediately,” he ordered.
He further directed that contractors whose road sections are rendered impassable should also face immediate action, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate negligence capable of worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The minister’s directives are expected to strengthen monitoring of ongoing road projects and ensure that contractors take responsibility for maintaining safe and passable routes while construction works continue.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Bandits have reportedly ambushed police officers travelling along the Sokoto–Gusau road, with some officers feared dead.
The attack occurred on Monday when the officers were travelling in a Zamfara State mass transit bus, popularly known as Bazamfara, en route to Gusau, the state capital.
The exact number of casualties remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, as details of the incident were still emerging.
The attack adds to growing security concerns along the Sokoto–Gusau highway, where travellers have faced threats from armed bandits.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rescheduled its presidential campaign kick-off in Sokoto State to Wednesday, November 4, 2026, amid alleged threats to the event.
The campaign launch, initially scheduled for an earlier date, was postponed as concerns over the alleged threats prompted the party to adjust its programme.
The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The party is yet to provide further details on the alleged threats or announce additional changes to the campaign schedule.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two Nigerians based in Europe for allegedly ingesting 200 wraps of cocaine weighing 3.46 kilograms while attempting to travel from Abuja to Paris, France.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended during an operation by the agency as they prepared to embark on the international journey.
The arrest underscores the NDLEA’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent the use of Nigerian airports as transit points for illicit drugs.
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