The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has ordered directors in the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Controllers of Works nationwide to suspend their holiday travel plans and remain actively on duty throughout the festive period.

The directive requires senior officials to stay on site at ongoing federal road projects to ensure that construction activities do not hinder the free flow of traffic during Christmas and the New Year celebrations.

Umahi issued the order on Tuesday during an emergency meeting in Abuja with top officials of the ministry as well as contractors handling key federal highway projects across the country.

The minister specifically expressed dissatisfaction with the traffic situation on the Abuja–Lokoja Road, which he described as “very embarrassing,” particularly given the volume of travellers expected during the festive season.

He directed that the road be further opened immediately to ease vehicular movement and prevent prolonged gridlock for motorists travelling in and out of the Federal Capital Territory.

Umahi also raised serious concerns over the persistent traffic congestion on the Enugu–Onitsha Road, despite repeated government interventions on the route.

Speaking during an inspection of the road, the minister said, “I don’t understand why the gridlock is still there. The road is a dual carriageway, and successive governments have carried out one intervention or another on that road.”

He emphasised that the continued congestion was unacceptable and called for urgent collaboration between contractors and supervising engineers to remove all bottlenecks along the corridor.

The minister stressed that coordinated action was required across all major federal highways to guarantee smooth traffic flow and ensure safe and stress-free travel for Nigerians during the festive period.