The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is laying a foundation for a new generation of highways designed to last between 50 and 100 years, marking a sharp departure from Nigeria’s long history of poorly constructed and short-lived roads.
Umahi spoke during an inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway (Section I), where he said the ministry had adopted a new approach that prioritises durability, innovation and cost-effectiveness over the traditional “cut-and-fill” method blamed for frequent road failures.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Wednesday, the minister said the new design standards combine recycling, milling and concrete reinforcement to build highways capable of withstanding decades of heavy traffic and harsh weather.
“We are building roads that will stand the test of time, roads that will last between 50 and 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth,” Umahi declared.
“Our goal is to ensure that no section fails prematurely. Nigeria must move away from the culture of patching and rebuilding every few years.”
He explained that the new method involves recycling existing asphalt layers, which are often stronger than fresh materials because they have been compacted by years of use.
“You cannot achieve a better California Bearing Ratio 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 insisting on milling, stabilising and strengthening rather than removing old asphalt layers and replacing them, he said.
Umahi said the Abuja–Kaduna section, handled by Infiouest International Limited, is one of the most technically advanced road projects in the country. He praised the contractor for maintaining international standards and deploying over 300 units of heavy-duty equipment to ensure timely delivery.
According to him, the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to transition from asphalt to rigid (concrete) pavement on major highways, which he said would save the government billions in maintenance costs.
“Wherever we have potholes within the carriageway, we don’t just patch; we treat the entire section with a stone base and, where necessary, stabilise it with cement. On the shoulders, we excavate about 10 centimetres 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.
“We are gradually phasing out flexible pavements. Concrete roads are more sustainable, especially for highways with heavy trucks.”
Umahi also warned engineers and contractors against removing structurally stable asphalt layers, describing the practice as wasteful and technically unsound.
“Asphalt has a lifespan of about 25 years. If milled and recycled properly, it can last much longer. We must adopt international best practices and stop tearing down materials that are still good,” he advised.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects meet the highest 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.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, who joined the inspection, said Tinubu’s focus on durable infrastructure reflects his broader vision to deliver value for every kobo spent and ensure that roads become national assets, not liabilities.
He commended Umahi for his hands-on approach, describing him as a “mentor to a new generation of engineers learning quality construction standards.”
Officials from the ministry, including the Director of Highways (Special Projects, North), Olufemi Adetunji, said the minister’s consistent field inspections have kept contractors accountable and ensured quality.
The Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Joseph Aboue Jaoude, said the company is committed to delivering world-class work that meets both local and international benchmarks.
He noted that the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, a key trade corridor linking the North to Abuja, is now a benchmark for quality in Nigeria’s road construction industry.
Similarly, the Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement, Abiodun Essiet (North Central) and Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai (North West), commended the administration’s efforts to transform the nation’s road network, describing the progress as a true reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to development and service delivery.
Nigeria’s road network, estimated at over 195,000 kilometres, has long suffered from poor maintenance and substandard construction, leading to high repair costs and frequent accidents.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, a 375-kilometre dual carriageway, is one of the country’s most critical economic arteries, connecting the Federal Capital Territory with key northern commercial hubs.
Awarded in 2018 under the Buhari administration and financed partly through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, the project has experienced delays due to insecurity, funding gaps and design reviews.
Under Umahi, the Federal Government has introduced a new engineering redesign emphasising rigid pavement (concrete roads) to ensure long-term durability and safety.
Once completed, the expressway is expected to cut travel time by more than half, reduce vehicle operating costs and strengthen trade and security links across the North-West corridor.
