FG building roads that will last 50 to 100 years – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has stated that the federal government’s road construction across the country would last between 50 and 100 years. Speaking during an inspection of Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), Umahi explained that the Ministry is adopting modern construction methods and using materials that ensure road longevity and sustainability under […]

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has stated that the federal government’s road construction across the country would last between 50 and 100 years.

Speaking during an inspection of Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), Umahi explained that the Ministry is 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,” the Minister stated.

 

 

 

He praised the contractor, Messrs Infiouest International Limited for the quality of work done so far, noting that the project’s design is 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 revealed.

 

He emphasised that proper milling and concrete reinforcement at critical points are 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.

 

The Minister also cautioned engineers and contractors against tampering with existing asphalt layers that are 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.

 

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, has also reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains fully committed to improving the road infrastructure across the nation.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Aboue Jaoude, stated that the company has deployed about 300 units of equipment to the project to ensure efficient operations and the delivery of quality work within schedule.