The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is revolutionising Nigeria’s road construction model with a new generation of highways designed to last between 50 and 100 years.
Umahi stated this on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway (Section I), describing the new approach as a major shift from decades of poor-quality road projects that often collapse within a few years.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister said the new engineering standards will prioritise durability, recycling, and concrete reinforcement over the traditional “cut-and-fill” method that has contributed to frequent road failures across the country.
“We are building roads that will stand the test of time—highways that will last between 50 and 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth,” Umahi said.
“Nigeria must move away from the culture of patching and rebuilding every few years. The new standards will guarantee durability and value for money.”
He explained that the new design integrates milling, stabilisation, and the recycling of existing asphalt layers, which are often stronger than freshly laid materials because they have been naturally compacted by years of use.
“The existing subgrade is usually more stable than new ones,” Umahi added. “That’s why we’re insisting on recycling and strengthening instead of destroying what’s still strong.”
The minister, who praised Infiouest International Limited, contractors handling the project, said the Abuja–Kaduna section is among Nigeria’s most advanced road projects, with over 300 units of heavy-duty equipment deployed for timely delivery.
He emphasised that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is gradually transitioning from asphalt to rigid (concrete) pavement—a move he said would drastically reduce maintenance costs and enhance the lifespan of major highways.
“Where potholes exist, we don’t just patch; we stabilise the entire section using stone base and, where necessary, cement,” Umahi explained. “This prevents water from undermining the structure and ensures lasting stability.”
Umahi also warned contractors and engineers against the indiscriminate removal of structurally sound asphalt layers, describing the practice as “technically unsound and wasteful.”
“Asphalt has a lifespan of about 25 years, but when milled and recycled properly, it can last much longer,” he noted. “We must stop the wasteful practice of tearing down what is still good.”
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