Nigeria Federal Road Dualization: Sen. David Umahi Announces N431bn Grant

Nigeria Federal Road Dualization: Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works in Nigeria, disclosed today that there is a dedicated budget of N431 billion for the dualization of federal roads across the country. During a meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters with contractors, Umahi emphasized the significant challenges that the Federal Ministry of Works has inherited.

These challenges include the task of dualizing a staggering 18,000 kilometers of roads, which is estimated to have a total worth of N14 trillion.

Nigeria Federal Road Dualization Projects

In a significant announcement, Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works in Nigeria, unveiled a budget of N431 billion dedicated to the dualization of federal roads across the nation. During a meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters with contractors, Umahi underscored the substantial challenges that the Federal Ministry of Works has inherited. These challenges encompass ongoing projects that have spanned a decade or more and have already seen approximately N4 trillion disbursed.

One notable initiative introduced by the minister is the implementation of performance bonds as a standard requirement for all contracts. These bonds are designed to ensure the quality of work delivered for a minimum of 10 years following the completion of a project. This move reflects the government’s commitment to not only initiating new projects but also ensuring their long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

In a noteworthy development, Minister Umahi revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is generously funding 50% of the contract sum, and this financial commitment extends until 2025. This partnership between the Ministry of Works and NNPC demonstrates a collaborative effort to drive critical infrastructure projects forward and stimulate economic growth.

However, amidst the availability of the substantial N431 billion budget, Umahi expressed his concern that there are currently no certificates to claim these funds. This challenge highlights the need for streamlined administrative processes to ensure that these allocated resources can be effectively utilized to advance the vital road dualization projects across Nigeria.

Accountability and Alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda”

Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works in Nigeria, delivered a passionate message to contractors during a recent meeting, challenging them to actively pursue their claims and address crucial issues such as augmentation in collaboration with regional directors. Umahi’s commitment to accountability transcends his tenure as minister, as he emphasized the importance of delivering on promises even beyond his current role. This commitment reflects a broader government initiative to ensure the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects.

One of the key directives issued by Minister Umahi is the requirement for contractors to adhere to a single lane of work until the completion of the project reaches the 50% mark. This strategic approach aims to enhance project efficiency and streamline the construction process. Additionally, Umahi expressed his dedication to roads constructed using concrete technology, drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like India and Singapore.

Umahi also called on contractors to align their efforts with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under this administration’s purview are a staggering 18,000 kilometers of roads, with an inherited contract sum estimated at approximately N14.1 trillion. Notably, N4 trillion has already been disbursed for these projects. Minister Umahi highlighted the necessity of revisiting the original project concepts and evaluating additional works to ensure fair deals and transparent cost estimates. This process involves careful scrutiny by entities such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Finally, the minister assured contractors that President Tinubu possesses a profound understanding of road and infrastructure projects. Consequently, it is imperative for contractors to provide comprehensive justifications for any significant contract cost adjustments. This approach underscores the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and efficient project execution in the pursuit of Nigeria’s development goals.