The Federal Government through the Ministry of Works has disclosed that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released 50 percent funds on palliative work on roads rehabilitation across the country, while called for action on time frame delivery.
Works Minister, Engr David Umahi made the disclosure on Thursday during a meeting with the Directors of the Ministry and the contractors held at Ministry’s headquarters Mabushi-Abuja, this 11th day of January, 2024.
Umahi emphasized that going forward, contractors must take into account the plight of Nigerians and Renewed Hope Initiatives on road infrastructure development in executing their projects, also tasked them to brace up on their standard of work with time frame delivery.
According to him, ”The Bureau of Public Procurement has approved over 80% of requests for palliative projects.
“Those who indicated interest in palliative project should please come to the Ministry to collect award letters and complete documentation. Mr. President has graciously released 50% of funds on palliative work, and so he wants to see action in all the 36 States and Abuja”, he said.
The Minister maintained that his Ministry means business and would not take excuses from contractors, assured to consider review of contracts previously consumated in line with set parameters and prevailing economic situations, and that all generated certificates would be verified and paid accordingly.
He appealed to contractors to ensure that all issues of contract variations were brought to the notice of the relevant departments of the Ministry while thanked the President for the prompt release of funds for this palliatives works.
The Minister used the opportunity to announce the re-organization of supervision structure for the Special Projects across the nation and introduced a special mechanism for tracking of certificates generated by contractors.
He expressed hope that with the new initiative under the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President, each State of the Federation would record not less than 150km roads in the Federal roads network in the year 2024, in addition to the special road projects funded through different extra budgetary platforms.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Director Highway, Bridges and Design, Engr. Awosanya Onatuga, ably represented said this meeting of Directors and contractors with Honourable Minister was agenda setting for the year 2024.
He added that the essence of the meeting was to take the task of performance that would help them move the Works sub-sector forward in accordance with the innovative plans of Federal Government under Mr. President.
The Perm Sec thanked the Honourable Minister for the relief given to road users toward the Xmas and New Year seasons. “We can say we did very well towards the end of last year”, he said.
Adding that, “There were no adverse reports on any blockage, people sleeping on the road. Yes, we have not done so much; we are not where we are supposed to be, but with the spirit of the Hon Minister, the can-do spirit, and it’s not slowing down, we are on the right track”.