Dave Umahi Minister of Work has issued a stern ultimatum to construction companies tasked with the monumental project of rehabilitating the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin highway. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that a new contract worth N870 billion has been drafted to replace the expired one under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) Tax Credit Scheme. The expiration of the previous contract has prompted the government to set a deadline of Thursday 25 and Friday 26 April 2024 for the signing of the new agreement. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the removal of the defaulting contractors from the project, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to delays and inefficiencies in the crucial infrastructure development sector.
Dave Umahi emphasized that the terms of the contract signing are non-negotiable, requiring contractors to adhere to basic rates, abide by the stipulated timetable, and deploy manpower and equipment across the designated sections of the highway. Notable construction firms such as Mothercat Nigeria Ltd, CGC Nigeria Ltd, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), and Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Ltd were present at the meeting where Dave Umahi articulated the government’s stance.
The decision to issue a new contract was driven by concerns over the conduct of foreign contractors, as Dave Umahi highlighted instances where the initial contract sum had been augmented without sufficient justification. This move underscores the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence and accountability in the execution of public infrastructure projects.
Challenges and Solutions in Road Rehabilitation
Upon assuming office, Minister Dave Umahi inherited a complex situation regarding the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin highway project. He discovered discrepancies in the project’s cost, which had ballooned from N121 billion to over N870 billion under the previous administration.Mr Dave Umahi attributed this significant increase to the lack of due diligence and oversight, leading to a refusal to present the Certificate of No Objections to the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Subsequent inspection tours revealed structural inadequacies in certain sections of the road, necessitating a re-scoping of the project.
Through extensive consultations with contractors, Dave Umahi arrived at a solution involving the use of concrete overlay for new lanes and asphalt for existing sections. Despite contractor assurances, Dave Umahi expressed frustration at the perceived arrogance and entitlement exhibited within the construction industry, underscoring the need for a paradigm shift towards greater accountability and professionalism. This recalibration of priorities reflects the government’s determination to deliver quality infrastructure that meets the needs of the populace while safeguarding public resources from wastage and mismanagement.
Contractors Without Capacity: A Tale of Political Gamesmanship reiterates by Minister Dave Umahi
In a startling revelation by Minister of Work Dave Umahi, it has come to light that within the Ministry of Works, a staggering 17 contracts are being managed by contractors devoid of the necessary personnel or equipment to execute the assigned tasks. This alarming situation, described as a manifestation of political maneuvering, has left crucial infrastructure projects languishing for an astonishing 17 years.
The gravity of the matter was underscored by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi who minced no words in condemning this state of affairs. In a stern ultimatum issued to the contractors, the Minister declared that failure to sign the contracts within the stipulated timeframe would result in forfeiture of the jobs, with no room for negotiation. The contracts in question, valued at over N2 billion per kilometer, stand as emblematic examples of mismanagement and neglect.
In response to the dire circumstances, the Ministry has initiated a comprehensive review of all ongoing road projects nationwide. Within a strict timeline of seven days, the Ministry aims to assess the capabilities of contractors, including their qualifications and the availability of personnel and equipment at project sites. This move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful completion of vital infrastructure projects across the country.
Evaluating Contractor Capacity: A Call for Accountability
Amidst mounting concerns over the efficacy of contractors engaged in Federal Government road projects, the Minister of Works ,Dave Umahi has issued a resolute directive to evaluate their capacity. The imperative to assess the qualifications and resources of contractors has been underscored by the Ministry’s determination to put an end to substandard project execution and undue delays.
Despite pleas from some contractors for additional time to review new contract terms, the Minister Dave Umahi remained steadfast in his resolve. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to incompetence and political interference, he reiterated the ultimatum: sign the contract or vacate the job site. This firm stance reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to efficient project management and accountability in the execution of public works.
As the Ministry of Works Dave Umahi embarks on this rigorous evaluation process, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome. With billions of Naira at stake and the livelihoods of countless citizens hanging in the balance, the imperative for transparency, diligence, and accountability in infrastructure development has never been more pressing
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
