The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to criminal elements against disrupting ongoing federal road projects across the country, declaring that security agencies have been directed to deal decisively with anyone who attempts to attack construction workers or sabotage critical national infrastructure.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the warning in Mbeke Ishieke community in Ebonyi LGA on Sunday while inspecting the ongoing Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway project in Ebonyi State.
The warning came in response to a question on measures being taken to protect contractors and workers, particularly as sections of the highway traverse areas affected by insecurity.
Speaking on the government's security strategy, Umahi, however, assured Nigerians that adequate measures were already in place to safeguard lives, equipment and ongoing construction.
"We will not tell you all security measures. But if we can work in Sokoto, we can work in Kebbi. How much more this place?" the minister said.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu had given clear directives to security agencies to ensure that no individual or group frustrates the execution of the strategic highway project.
"The President has given a marching order. It is fire for fire. Anybody who puts his head to stop the work, they will use that head to collect," Umahi declared.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal government's resolve to complete the multi-state highway, describing it as one of President Tinubu's landmark infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and reduce travel time across the South-South, South-East and North-Central regions.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the project, noting that contractors were mobilising multiple construction teams to different sections of the highway to accelerate delivery.
According to him, the administration will not allow insecurity or acts of sabotage to derail projects that are critical to Nigeria's economic growth and national development.
Umahi also urged host communities to continue supporting contractors and security agencies by providing useful intelligence capable of preventing attacks on project sites, assuring Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering durable and transformative infrastructure nationwide.
