The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, has expressed profound sympathy concerning the tanker explosion which occurred at Essa Village, along Lambata- Lapai – Bida road, in Niger State on Tuesday 21st October, 2025.
He conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago and the good people of Niger State over the unfortunate tanker inferno.
The Minister has set up an emergency committee to work with the contractor handling the project, CGC Nigeria Limited, to ensure that palliative rehabilitation is carried out on the affected road immediately.
This is in furtherance of the meeting the Minister had with the delegation of the Niger State caucus of the National Assembly, his discussion with the State Governor and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the need for immediate intervention to the affected road.
It is noteworthy that the project was initially NNPC funded, but in view of the NNPCL’s withdrawal from the funding scheme nationwide, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR* has directed that all the inherited ongoing projects hitherto funded by NNPC be reviewed and presented to him, and that no such projects should be stopped for the reason of the exit of NNPCL from the funding scheme.
The Federal Ministry of Works has reviewed all such projects which will be presented to Mr. President.
The Honourable Minister of Works also called on all contractors on the project, especially those who have generated certificates for payment to go back to the site while they expect payment from November 2025.
The Honourable Minister reiterates the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration to building enduring road infrastructure nationwide and ensuring sustainable growth and prosperous economy through the bequest of massive and solid road infrastructure for our future generation.