Minister of Works Senator David Umahi has revealed plans by the Federal Government to engage private sector patrol services to protect federal roads from vandalism, misuse, and damage.
The announcement came during an inspection of the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway, where the Aba-bound carriageway handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECE) has reached 90% completion.
Umahi stated that the section is on track for substantial completion by April 2026, with a likely inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, noting that previous funding delays have been addressed under the current administration.
Outstanding payments are expected to be cleared soon to sustain momentum.The Port Harcourt-bound carriageway has been awarded to indigenous firm JRB Construction Company Limited, which is using reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability in the area's difficult terrain.
To safeguard completed infrastructure nationwide, Umahi said future protections will include solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, speed detection systems, and dedicated patrol vehicles operated through private contracts.
He stressed that these measures will help preserve investments and enable rapid response to incidents.
The minister cautioned transport unions and tanker operators against parking heavy vehicles on new roads, warning that static loads cause structural damage, and reminded contractors of their 12-month defect liability period.
Umahi also inspected the Eleme–Onne section of the East–West Road in Rivers State, where one 15-kilometer carriageway is fully complete and the second is about 80% done.
The project features five flyovers and reinforced concrete surfacing to tackle recurring failures from high water tables.
He commended President Tinubu for consistent funding releases and for promoting greater participation by local contractors to build indigenous capacity.
The Federal Comptroller of Works in Rivers State confirmed ongoing simultaneous work on bridges, drainage, and pavements, expressing confidence in meeting the April target for public use.
The dual focus on fast-tracking key South-East and South-South projects while introducing innovative security measures aims to protect national infrastructure from sabotage and prolonged misuse.
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