This was contained in a press statement made available to journalists by the minister's Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze at the weekend.
According to statement, the minister gave the directive on Saturday, February 21, 2026, during an inspection of Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that contractors who have collected mobilisation funds without corresponding performance will no longer receive payment certificates.
“My directive is clear: anyone owing APG must return to site and use it for work. I will not pay certificates while you are holding government money for four or five years. That time is gone,” he said.
Umahi said the directive aligns with the reform agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he noted is focused on restoring discipline and accountability in infrastructure delivery.
He commended the president for approving the resumption of payments to contractors but stressed that only those actively working would benefit from continued government support.
Progress on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
The minister said Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains on schedule for commissioning by May.
According to him, the three-kilometre stretch currently under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within seven days. He said consolidation tests would be conducted in March, after which Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) would be laid in April if results are satisfactory.
“If we have good consolidation, then we will put our CRCP within two weeks and then commission by the 20th May,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that the section has encountered deep soil conditions, with pits averaging between 18 and 21 metres, while a previous stretch at chainage 18 recorded depths of about 22 metres. He said the engineering challenges were being addressed without any upward review of the project cost.
He praised HITECH Construction Company for managing the risks associated with unexpected soil discoveries at its own expense.
“No other contractor can bear this kind of risk,” he said.
The minister added that once opened, motorists would be able to drive from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, with access extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.
He stated that Section Two is also expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year.
Umahi condemned acts of vandalism along the project corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and dumping of refuse into manholes.
He commended security agencies for increased surveillance and warned that offenders would be prosecuted.
Anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure, he said, should be charged to court immediately.
The inspection was attended by senior presidential aides, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South West, Moremi Ojudu, and her South-East counterpart, Barrister Chioma Nweze.
