The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has expressed confidence in the timely completion of the Lekki 7th Axial Road project following an inspection of ongoing works in the Lekki Corridor of Lagos.

The road, located behind the Dangote Refinery, is a major cargo evacuation route for the Lekki Deep Sea Port. It also links the Lekki industrial axis with the Sagamu corridor, making it a strategic project for port operations, industrial development and national logistics.

During the inspection, Umahi expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), the project contractor, citing the company’s successful delivery of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as well as the quality of work observed on the ongoing Makurdi to Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project.

He instructed that the roadbed filling works for Project Lot One must be completed by the end of April, directing the project team to increase resource input and intensify tangible on site works to meet the deadline. He stressed the need for adequate deployment of manpower, equipment and materials to ensure steady progress.

The Minister noted that the 7th Axial Road is designed to work alongside other key infrastructure projects in the area, including the Coastal Road, Dangote Road and the Lekki Port. According to him, the project will improve cargo movement, reduce pressure on existing road networks and strengthen the Lekki corridor as a major transportation and industrial hub when completed.

Umahi also called for strict compliance with environmental and safety standards, urging relevant agencies to ensure that construction progresses steadily without compromising ecological protection.

The project contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, assured the Minister of its commitment to delivering the road on schedule. A representative of the company said resources have been scaled up on site, with strong emphasis on safety, quality control and environmental protection.

He added that the road, when completed, will play a key role in easing port congestion and unlocking significant economic benefits for Lagos and the country.

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has praised China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for its exceptional expertise and professionalism in reconstructing and expanding the Maraba-Keffi Road. During a visit to the project site over the weekend, Umahi commended the quality and timely progress of the completed sections, noting that CHEC has set a high standard for other contractors to follow.

Umahi advised the CHEC team to maintain the high standards and strict compliance that have characterized their work so far, particularly now that the project has entered its critical and final phase. He emphasized the importance of enhancing safety management and quality control to ensure the project’s successful completion.

The minister stated that although the contract completion date is June 2026, given the project’s importance to public transportation, he hopes CHEC will optimize its construction plan and resource allocation to strive for the overall handover by the end of February 2026, enabling the road to be fully open to traffic, thereby promoting regional socio-economic development and improving the convenience of public life.

Umahi assured CHEC that all funding issues would be resolved and the Federal Ministry of Works would expedite procedures to promptly settle all approved Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs). He also committed to ensuring that the contractor receives full project payment in a timely manner upon completion, securing the smooth conclusion of the project.

The Minister’s visit was aimed at assessing the project’s progress and urging CHEC to maintain its high standards and pace to deliver a quality road infrastructure that meets the needs of the people.

The Federal government, on Wednesday, arraigned two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist organization captured by the Department of State Services (DSS),
and their three foot soldiers, for terrorism, kidnapping and murder of two teachers of schools in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
The five suspects were arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahin of the federal high Court, Abuja.
In August 2025, DSS operatives captured Mahmuda top commander, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda Abu Bara’a and his deputy, Abubakar Abbas aka Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri.
According to security sources, after the capture, Ansaru made two attempts- one in December 2025, and another in February 2026, to free their commanders. However, the attempts were reportedly foiled by DSS intelligence to the state security council, after which the secret police continued to update intelligence on the group’s activities.

On May 15, 2026, several armed men belonging to Ansaru terror group stormed some schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, kidnapping 46 people made up of 39 students and seven teachers. Apparently, to mount pressure on government to release their two captured commanders in DSS’ custody, the terrorists killed two of the teachers.
On July 10, 2026, however, security forces from the DSS and the military, police and other security agencies, stormed the forest where the terrorists were holding the abductees, freeing the hostages.
During the rescue operation, DSS operatives captured three more members of the Ansaru terror organization- Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani.
On July 23, the three men pleaded guilty to concealing information regarding the Oriire school kidnapping and for membership in the proscribed Darul Salam/Ansaru group. They were promptly handed life imprisonment.
Relatedly, a Federal High Court in Abuja, last week, sentenced Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara’a) and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they both pleaded guilty to some charges in the 32-count charge of belonging to a terrorist organization, among other charges.
After the sentencing, feelers from the DSS suggested that the secret police was dissatisfied with the judgement and was going to appeal.
However, in a fresh twist, the DSS, on Wednesday, changed strategy, opting to arraign the terrorist commanders and three of their foot soldiers on fresh charges of terrorism, kidnapping and murder of persons in Oriire LGA.
Justice Salim adjourned the matter to September 24 for the commencement of trial. He ordered that the five suspects remain in the custody of the DSS.