Umahi Mourns Tanker Explosion Victims in Niger, Orders Urgent Repair of Lambata–Bida Road

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of victims, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, and the people of Niger State over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Essa Village along the Lambata–Lapai–Bida Road.

In response to the incident, the Minister has constituted an emergency committee to promptly visit Niger State and, in collaboration with the contractor handling the project—CGC Nigeria Limited—carry out immediate palliative repairs on the affected section of the road.

This directive follows Umahi’s meeting with members of the National Assembly from Niger State, as well as discussions with Governor Bago and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on swift intervention measures for the damaged road.

The Minister further noted that the project was originally funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). However, following NNPCL’s withdrawal from nationwide project funding, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered that all such ongoing projects be reviewed and submitted to him, emphasizing that none should be discontinued due to the funding change.

Umahi revealed that the Federal Ministry of Works has completed the review of all affected projects and will soon present its findings to the President. He also urged contractors, particularly those with certified payment claims, to return to their project sites ahead of expected disbursements starting from November 2025.