By Jabiru Hassan
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, has expressed deep condolences to the families of victims, the Government, and the people of Niger State over Tuesday’s tragic tanker explosion along the Lambata–Lapai–Bida Road.
The incident, which occurred on December 21, 2025, at Essa Village (CH.97+000), claimed several lives and caused significant damage. In a statement released by the Ministry of Works, Umahi sympathized with the bereaved families and commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, describing the explosion as a “devastating loss to the state and nation.”
Following discussions with a delegation of National Assembly members from Niger State, the Niger State Governor, and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), the Minister announced the establishment of an emergency committee to work with the project contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to carry out palliative rehabilitation on the affected road.
“The committee will immediately move to site and ensure quick interventions to restore traffic flow and ensure safety,” the Minister stated.
Umahi further clarified that the project was initially funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). However, due to NNPCL’s withdrawal from its nationwide funding scheme, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that all inherited projects previously financed under the NNPCL scheme be reviewed and presented to him.
The Minister assured that “no ongoing project will be stopped due to the NNPCL’s funding exit,” adding that all such projects have been reviewed and will be submitted to President Tinubu next week for consideration.
He also urged contractors handling these projects — particularly those who have already generated payment certificates — to return to their sites while awaiting payments expected to commence from November 2025.
Sen. Umahi reaffirmed the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration to delivering durable and quality road infrastructure across Nigeria. He emphasized that the Federal Government remains dedicated to promoting sustainable growth and building a resilient economy through massive investment in road infrastructure for future generations.
