FG records progress on legacy projects, approves new roads – Umahi

Works Minister,Umahi

The Federal Government says the four legacy highway projects are progressing steadily, alongside approval of new road contracts to enhance connectivity and economic growth.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday, in Abuja.

Umahi said the projects were central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving economic activities, integration and national development.

He said the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remained a flagship project, with work progressing on sections across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

Umahi disclosed that Section One, from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos State, was progressing, while Section Two, from Eleko to Lagos-Ogun border, was about 60 per cent completed.

He said the section was expected to be substantially completed by November, with major bridge works ongoing, adding that the highway had been named President Bola Tinubu Coastal Highway.

The minister said other sections connecting Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states were at various stages of design and procurement.

On the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Umahi said construction was ongoing across several sections, describing it as a project that would reduce travel time between northern and southern Nigeria.

He also highlighted progress on the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu and Kogi states to the Federal Capital Territory.

Umahi said work had commenced on sections of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri Highway, while Tinubu approved an additional 400 kilometres to extend the corridor.

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FRSC Act:Senate endorses N50, 000 fine for hawking, preaching inside buses — Senate The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for traffic offences, including imposing a N50,000 fine on anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching in commercial buses. The amendment, which now awaits presidential assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion. Details of the amended legislation indicate that penalties for several traffic offences have been increased by as much as 300 percent as part of efforts to curb reckless driving, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes. The proposed legislation, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026. Under the new provisions, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine. Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in public vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters. During deliberations on the bill, senators argued that stronger sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe practices on Nigerian roads. The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both. It states that any person found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs above the legal limit, or to such an extent that they are incapable of proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence. Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. The amended Act also prescribes a N100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices. Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a N5,000 fine, will now attract N100,000, while reckless driving also carries a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. The revised schedule of offences under the Act lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. According to the Senate, the review is intended to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads. The new penalties are expected to have a significant impact on commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside buses are widespread practices.

He described the extension as unprecedented, saying the project had grown from 800km to 1,100km following the presidential approval.

The minister announced approval for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement and expected to last between 50 years and 100 years.

He also disclosed approvals for the Lau Bridge in Taraba State, completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge project and additional 400km of dual carriageway on the East-West Road corridor.

Umahi said contracts had been approved for the Oba-Nnewi-Oga-Ihube-Okigwe Junction Road and Otuocha-Anam-Ibaji Road linking Anambra, Imo, Abia and Kogi states.

He added that legacy highway projects would feature solar-powered streetlights, CCTV systems, emergency centres, rest areas and patrol facilities to improve safety.

The minister further said the Federal Government was reviewing the Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation design and had approved replacement of the Carter bridge.

NAN