Umahi condoles victims, orders emergency fix on Niger tanker explosion road

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred at Essa Village along the Lambata–Lapai–Bida Road in Niger State, extending his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, the Minister described the incident, which occurred at chainage 97+000 on Tuesday, 21st December 2025, as a “sad and unfortunate inferno” that claimed lives and caused extensive damage.

Senator Umahi commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, and the good people of the state, assuring them of the Federal Government’s swift intervention to rehabilitate the affected section of the road.

According to the statement, the Minister has constituted an emergency committee to work in collaboration with CGC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, to undertake immediate palliative repairs on the damaged stretch of the road.

The statement further revealed that the road project was originally funded under the NNPC road infrastructure scheme, but following the withdrawal of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) from the funding arrangement nationwide, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that all such ongoing projects be reviewed and presented to him for further action.

“The President has made it clear that no ongoing project should be abandoned due to NNPCL’s exit from the funding scheme,” Umahi was quoted as saying.

The Minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works has completed the review of all affected projects and will present them to the President next week for consideration.

He also urged contractors handling such projects — particularly those with payment certificates pending — to return to their respective sites, assuring them that payments would commence from November 2025.

Senator Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Administration to deliver durable and sustainable road infrastructure across the nation, emphasizing that quality roads are key to achieving economic growth and national development.