The Federal Government says it is constructing roads across Nigeria designed to last between 50 and 100 years.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, made this known on Tuesday during an inspection tour of ongoing rehabilitation works on Section One of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway.
Umahi said the ministry had adopted new engineering techniques and durable materials to ensure the sustainability and longevity of road projects under varying climatic and traffic conditions.
“You cannot achieve a better California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by simply bringing laterite on the road,” he said. “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 commended the contractor handling the project, Messrs Infiouest International Limited, for maintaining high construction standards. He noted that the project’s design was among the most advanced in the country, incorporating engineering methods that guarantee long-term performance.
“Wherever we have potholes within the carriageway, we don’t just patch,” Umahi explained. “We treat the entire section using a stone base and, where necessary, stabilise it with cement. On the shoulders, we excavate about 10 centimetres 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 emphasised that the ministry’s new design approach now prioritises rigid pavement for major highways, with flexible pavements being phased out. “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 said, warning contractors against tampering with structurally sound asphalt layers.
Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to deliver quality infrastructure, saying, “We are building roads that will stand the test of time — roads that will last 50 to 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth.”
Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to upgrading road infrastructure nationwide. He praised Umahi’s hands-on approach, describing him as “a mentor inspiring a new generation of engineers to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, Director of Highways (Special Projects, North), also commended the quality and speed of work, noting that Umahi’s consistent inspection visits were ensuring adherence to timelines and standards.
In his remarks, Mr. Joseph Aboue Jaoude, Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, said the company had deployed about 300 units of equipment to ensure timely and efficient project delivery.
Also speaking, the Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central and North West Zones, Dr. Abiodun and Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, lauded the administration’s road development efforts, describing the progress as “a true reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to quality service delivery.”
