FG to terminate N6 trillion abandoned road projects

The Federal Government says that it is considering the termination of some abandoned projects worth about N6 trillion inherited from previous successive governments that have no clear source of funding.

This was made known by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who disclosed the figure while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the use of concrete technology instead of asphalt for the construction and rehabilitation of roads nationwide, adding that the president had also approved some road construction projects and plans to toll some roads in the country.

He argued that concrete will be more durable and cost-effective than any other alternatives, urging all contractors working in Nigeria to ensure that global best practices are adhered to.

After a meeting with contractors handling projects in the North-east,  the minister reiterated that the ministry currently had up to N14 trillion worth of ongoing projects against about 18,000 kilometres of roads, adding that henceforth, contractors are not expected to stay on site for more than 4 years.

Umahi expressed his dissatisfaction at situations where some contracts had been ongoing for 20 years, stressing that it was not good for the contractors for the projects and the clients.

Umahi highlighted the reasons for road failure to include poor workmanship from contractors, importation of adulterated bitumen into the country and the laying of less than appropriate thickness of asphalt.

“But with the availability of money, they could start the second lane. We can manage with one lane instead of not having anything at all.’’

The minister explained that Nigerians were suffering as a result of poor workmanship and all manner of cheating within the system, promising that he was in the ministry to solve the perennial problems.

Umahi, who stated that subsequent signing of certificates would be based on their status, advised contractors handling projects in the North-east not to bother reporting him to the president as he is aware of what is happening.

The minister said he was taking instructions directly from the president, who he said is also interested in concrete technology for road construction.