Tinubu’s Government Redefines Road Construction: Umahi Unveils 100-Year Highway Design Standard

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is pioneering a new era of highway construction in Nigeria, with roads designed to last between 50 and 100 years — a major shift from the nation’s legacy of poorly built, short-lived roads.

Umahi made the declaration during an inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway (Section I), explaining that the Ministry of Works has adopted a durability-focused and innovation-driven approach that prioritises cost efficiency and structural integrity over the conventional “cut-and-fill” method often blamed for premature road failures.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister said the new highway design incorporates recycling, milling, and concrete reinforcement to create roads capable of withstanding decades of heavy traffic and extreme weather.

> “We are building roads that will stand the test of time — highways that will last between 50 and 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth,” Umahi stated.

He explained that instead of completely removing existing asphalt layers, engineers are now recycling and stabilising old road bases, which are often more compact and durable due to years of use.

> “The existing subgrade, compacted over the years, offers a stronger bearing capacity. That’s why we insist on milling, stabilising, and strengthening — not tearing down what is still good,” Umahi said.

He noted that the Abuja–Kaduna section, handled by Infiouest International Limited, represents one of Nigeria’s most advanced road projects, commending the contractor for maintaining international standards and deploying over 300 heavy-duty machines on-site.

Umahi emphasised that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is transitioning from asphalt to rigid (concrete) pavements on major highways — a move he said will save billions in maintenance costs and ensure long-term sustainability.

> “We no longer patch potholes. Instead, we treat entire sections, stabilise them with stone bases or cement, and ensure proper compaction. This prevents water damage and guarantees road stability,” he explained.

The minister warned contractors against destroying structurally sound asphalt layers, calling such practices wasteful and technically unsound.

> “Asphalt can last up to 25 years — and when properly recycled, even longer. Nigeria must embrace global best practices and stop wasting materials,” he cautioned.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, who joined the inspection, said Tinubu’s commitment to durable infrastructure reflects his vision of ensuring value for every public expenditure, turning roads into national assets rather than liabilities.

He praised Umahi’s hands-on approach, describing him as a mentor to a new generation of engineers upholding high construction standards.

Officials from the ministry, including Director of Highways (Special Projects, North), Olufemi Adetunji, said Umahi’s consistent field inspections have kept contractors accountable and guaranteed quality assurance.

The Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Joseph Aboue Jaoude, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to world-class standards, noting that the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway — a 375-kilometre dual carriageway — is now setting a new benchmark for road quality in Nigeria.

Presidential aides Abiodun Essiet and Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai also lauded the administration’s strides in infrastructure renewal, describing the progress as a true reflection of Tinubu’s development vision.

Nigeria’s vast 195,000-kilometre road network has long suffered from substandard construction and poor maintenance, resulting in frequent repairs and road accidents.

The Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, awarded in 2018 under the Buhari administration and financed through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, had faced delays due to insecurity and funding constraints.

With Umahi’s engineering redesign emphasising rigid pavement and long-term durability, the project is now expected to cut travel time by half, reduce vehicle costs, and boost trade and security across northern Nigeria once completed.