Umahi holds stakeholders’ meeting on Lagos-Calabar highway in Ondo

The Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure that roads across all 36 states are well-maintained.

Umahi, who previously served as the Governor of Ebonyi State, also acknowledged his personal accountability for the lack of quality federal roads throughout the country.

He made these comments during a town hall meeting and stakeholder engagement regarding the 63km segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which took place in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Thursday.

He emphasized the importance of the coastal highway for the economic growth of the affected states and the nation as a whole, stating, “When we assumed office, we found that Tinubu inherited a total of 20,604 projects by May 29, 2023, with an outstanding debt of N1.6 trillion owed to contractors for completed work. The President, showing great determination, is committed to addressing these inherited projects. Some of these have been pending for 20, 5, 13, and 17 years. He believes these projects should be completed within 14 months, and if they are not, I will take responsibility.”

Umahi further explained, “When contracts are awarded, contractors expect mobilization fees. The Procurement Act mandates that mobilization must be paid, not just that it may be paid. Once they receive payment, contractors must demonstrate financial capability.”

He assured attendees, “We are focused on making progress. I accept responsibility for any failures, including poorly maintained roads or ongoing projects. However, we are actively working. Ondo State, being an oil-producing region, plays a crucial role in our national economy. The President’s commitment to this legacy project goes beyond road construction; it is an investment.”

The minister stated that there would be no tolerance for project abandonment, warning that any contractor who fails to take federal projects seriously would face contract termination.

“We have already terminated over ten contracts with major companies and are prepared to terminate more. We set the agenda; you cannot dictate terms to us. Our records are transparent. We aim to finalize the design for Ondo State by the end of November and will officially launch it soon after,” he added.

He also instructed federal road controllers to provide details on all roads under their jurisdiction, whether awarded or not, so that by Christmas, all federal highways will be passable. “After your elections, we will resume the Aiyetoro project following this one. Nigerians should appreciate that we have a responsive president who is dedicated to all sectors. Our country has immense potential,” Umahi stated.

In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised Tinubu for the coastal highway initiative, emphasizing that it is not a political project and that work has already commenced on other sections.

“He (Tinubu) is providing us with substantial economic support. I want to express gratitude for all the projects across the country. These developments will greatly benefit us, and we are committed to cooperating with the Federal Government and the contractors,” the governor said.

Mr. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, also commended both Tinubu and Umahi for their efforts to improve Nigeria’s roads.

“We in the House of Representatives fully support the President and the Minister of Works. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria functions effectively. We need to put an end to the practice of contractors receiving payments without delivering work. If contractors are not present at the site, they should not be paid; this has been one of the biggest issues in the ministry,” the lawmaker emphasized.