How Tinubu set high standard in Nigeria’s road construction – Umahi

Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) Nweze David Umahi has stated that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is setting high standards in road construction, and revitalizing the national road network for the sustainable economic prosperity.

Speaking on Saturday, during the inspection visits to some sections of the ongoing Abuja- Kaduna-Kano, Abuja- Lokoja, and Lokoja- Benin road projects, the Minister lauded the President for prioritizing interventions and introducing innovations in road construction that will stand the taste of time.

Umahi placed on record that road construction under Mr. President is built to last for up to 100 years, noting that the concrete technology introduced by the President has timeless legacy, and the construction method encourages local content in all its forms.

He said that the President’s decision to prioritize the funding of the outstanding sections of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road was underpinned by his desire to have the road completed in record time. “We gave Mr. President 14 months to complete both sections I and III, and section II”.
“The sections I and III, which are a total of 118 kilometers, were awarded at a total cost of N252 billion. Mr. President has fully paid 30%, which should be close to 60 billion Naira. Section II is about 72km by 2, which is on reinforced concrete.

“And I think 17, 15 kilometres is going to be on a flexible asphalt pavement. The total cost is N507 billion. 30% has been paid, which is over N150 billion. Now, if you combine the two projects up to Kano, you will see that this project is N761 billion”, the Minister disclosed.

He commended Mr. President very highly for his interest in building this road. ‘We tagged the building of this road, the building of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has so much passion to get this project completed.
“And he’s funding it as a priority project. And we are happy for the sections completed on concrete. In the past, we witnessed construction of roads, which never lasted up to 10 years. But this time, it’s building of roads which will last between 50 to 100 years”, he added.

While inspecting the projects on Abuja- Lokoja road, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work being executed on the Zuba- Abaji road project by Messrs GRB Construction Co. Nigeria Limited.

He commended the indigenous contractor for standing tall in the quality execution of the project awarded to them, assuring that the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President is favourably disposed to encouraging indigenous contractors through the ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
Umahi also commended the quality works on the inherited NNPC preoject on the Abuja bound of Abuja-Lokoja route in Kogi State handled by Messrs Trucrete but urged the contractor to increase the pace of work as the Federal Ministry of Works hoped to get more funding as soon as possible.

According to him, “I bring you good news. The President said NNPC projects must continue, and this time around, when we rescope it, we are going to agree on milestone completion. So, I want the contractor to start another section on shoulders. Let the carriageway continue, mixers can be used on the shoulders.”

As contained in a statement released by his aide, Umahi placed on record that road construction under Mr. President is built to last for up to 100 years, noting that the concrete technology introduced by the President has timeless legacy, and the construction method encourages local content in all its forms.

The Minister of Works, accompanied by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo and key directors of the Ministry, the projects inspected includes: the completion of outstanding works on Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria – Kano, Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) road in Kaduna State being handled by Messrs Infiouest International Limited.
Also, 72.08km dual (CRCP); the reconstruction of Abuja-Lokoja Road (Section I & II): Zuba- Abaji road being handled by Messrs JRB Construction Co. Limited. 22.20Km; the provision of the Culverts and Drains at Flood Prone Areas on Federal Road Network in North Central Zone.

Section 2 (3km: Ch13 – Ch16). Abuja – Lokoja, Kogi State being handled by Sadogi Nigeria Limited. 3.0km; the rehabilitation of Abuja – Lokoja Section A4 (Ch 23+400 – Ch 26+395) in Kogi State being handled by Venus Construction Co. Ltd. 3.0Km.

The reconstruction of Kotonkarfe–Abaji (47.862km:Ch.82+000-Ch.129+862) Abuja Bound along Abuja – Lokoja Route in Kogi State being handled by Messrs. Trucrete. 47.862km; the reconstruction of Existing Pavement and Completion of Additional Pavement on the Dualization of Abuja – Lokoja Highway.

Section III (Ch. 82+000 – 131+362): Abaji – Koton Karfe Road in Kogi State being handled by Messrs. Geld Limited/Triacta Nig. Ltd. 50.797km; Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Section I, Phases I& II: Obajana Junction – Okene Road in Kogi State being handled by CGC Nigeria Limited. 59.104 Km (Dual).