The Federal Government will adopt a full concrete pavement policy for all new federal road projects beginning in 2026, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced.
Umahi made the disclosure on Thursday during an inspection of the Abuja–Kano highway. He said several asphalt-based road projects executed by previous contractors had already begun to fail, making a nationwide policy shift unavoidable.
The Minister argued that concrete roads offer higher durability, longer life spans, and better value for public funds.
He also said the government prefers a concession-and-tolling model for completed highways, describing it as the most realistic financing option. He dismissed claims by some contractors that they could fund such multi-billion-naira projects upfront.
“From next year, any new project we are doing must be on concrete,” Umahi said.
“Even the ones done by the previous contractor are already failing. That is why we must concession completed roads for maintenance. This is the only feasible model.”
Umahi said Section One of the Abuja–Kano road covers 118 kilometres, valued at ₦252 billion. Half of the amount has already been paid. Seventeen kilometres around Kano are being rebuilt from scratch, while a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension is nearing completion.
Sections One and Three also have eight kilometres of completed concrete pavement, with more ongoing works.
He added that Section Two covers 72 kilometres and is valued at ₦502 billion. He said the ongoing work is only six months old and remains a priority project for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing concerns over maintenance, Umahi explained that contractors remain responsible during the defect liability period.
“We retain five per cent of every certificate issued. When the project is completed, we release half and keep 2.5 per cent for a year. If the contractor maintains the road within the defect period, we release the balance,” he said.
Umahi also said most ongoing projects nationwide will follow the “design, build, operate, and maintain” model to guarantee sustainability and reduce failures.
