The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered immediate repairs on a flooded section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi expressway, following the disruption of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Yelwata, Benue State.
President Tinubu was expected in Yelwata on Wednesday to sympathise with residents over recent killings in the area, but heavy rainfall rendered the road impassable, forcing the presidential convoy to turn back. The incident, which Umahi described as “embarrassing,” prompted swift action by the Ministry of Works.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Orji Uchenna, Umahi directed officials and engineers from the China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company—the private concessionaire responsible for the road under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI)—to urgently clear debris and restore the route.
“We apologise profusely to Mr President and Nigerians for the embarrassment this unfortunate incident caused,” Umahi said. “Though the road is completed and tolled under the HDMI PPP scheme, it was flooded due to debris clogging the culvert.”
He confirmed that the debris had since been cleared, allowing floodwaters to drain and reinstating the affected section. The minister further instructed the concessionaire to investigate the cause of the blockage and implement a lasting solution to prevent future occurrences.
Umahi stressed that such failures would no longer be tolerated, especially on privately maintained federal roads. “We must ensure that all concessioned roads meet the highest standards of reliability and safety,” he said.
The minister commended President Tinubu for his “fatherly concern” over the Benue crisis, describing his attempted visit as “a powerful gesture that resonated with the people.”
President Tinubu, in remarks during the trip, confirmed the incident: “I aborted my visit to Yelwata town because of the rain, flood and bad roads. But we will do something for the recreation of that environment.”
In a related development, Umahi appealed to Citibank Nigeria Ltd to support critical federal road projects under the Renewed Hope Legacy Initiative. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Nneka Enwereji, Umahi said partnerships with private financiers were essential for achieving the administration’s infrastructure goals.
“We are happy that Citibank is considering partnering with us. These roads are central to President Tinubu’s vision for national development,” he said.
Enwereji lauded the ministry’s progress, stating, “We are impressed with the strides your administration is making. We’re here to understand the specifics and explore investments that can impact the country positively.”