Umahi Orders Urgent Repairs on Flooded Lafia-Makurdi Road After Tinubu’s Aborted Visit

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed immediate repairs and a long-term solution to persistent flooding on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road after President Bola Tinubu was forced to abandon a visit to Yelwata, Benue State, due to severe flooding that rendered the road impassable.

President Tinubu was scheduled to visit the community on Wednesday to commiserate with residents mourning the deaths of over 100 people. However, his convoy was unable to proceed after torrential rain caused extensive flooding, blocking access to the area.

Describing the incident as “embarrassing,” Umahi criticised China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, the private concessionaire managing the road under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), for failing to maintain the route despite collecting tolls.

“We apologise very profusely to Mr President and Nigerians for the embarrassment this unfortunate incident caused,” Umahi said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Orji Uchenna. “Though completed and tolled, flooding occurred due to debris blocking the culvert.”

Umahi confirmed that ministry officials and personnel from China Harbour had since cleared the debris, allowing floodwaters to drain and restoring access. He instructed the company to identify the root cause of the flooding and implement a permanent solution, warning that such lapses would no longer be tolerated on federally maintained roads operated under public-private partnerships.

He also praised President Tinubu’s attempted visit, calling it “a powerful gesture that resonated with the people” and an example of compassionate leadership. “His visit has made a lot of impact in the lives of the people, and with God on his side, Benue State shall see sustainable peace and progress,” Umahi said.

Tinubu, speaking during his visit to the state, acknowledged the failed journey. “I aborted my visit to Yelwata town because of the rain, flood and bad roads,” he said. “But we will do something for the recreation of that environment.”

In a related development, Umahi used the opportunity to advocate for increased infrastructure financing partnerships, urging Citibank Nigeria Ltd to support key road projects under the Renewed Hope Legacy Initiative. Hosting Citibank’s Managing Director and CEO, Nneka Enwereji, Umahi highlighted the importance of the bank’s investment in national development. Enwereji, in response, expressed interest in supporting infrastructure that delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians, commending the administration’s reform efforts and development agenda.