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Tag: road infrastructure

  • FG intensifies road infrastructure provision transparency, accountability

    FG intensifies road infrastructure provision transparency, accountability

    • …as opposition hails pace, quality of projects 

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of national road projects, with anti-graft agencies already engaged to scrutinise ongoing works and contractors assured of full payment of outstanding debts.

    During the reopening of the Abuja-bound Toto bridge, in Nasarawa State damaged by a heavy-duty truck earlier in the year on Thursday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the government has submitted all road projects to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and sent the same list to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for verification.

    “We have sent Mr President’s projects to ICPC immediately when I assumed office, to go through all states and verify. This is the first of its kind. We have also sent the same list to EFCC,” Umahi stressed.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had ordered a full assessment of road works across all 36 states and the FCT, with online access to project status for accountability, saying, “People will be free to ask questions, give constructive criticism”.

    On payments, Umahi disclosed that Tinubu has directed that contractors being owed be paid, with a review committee already set up. 

    “Mr President yesterday recognised that they are being owed and is setting up a committee to review all the debts. Please, no more protests. You will be paid.”

    Crediting Tinubu’s backing for the pace of delivery, he said, “Within 24 hours he released the money for this bridge. It is unprecedented.”

    The damaged Toto bridge on the Nyanya axis, linking Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, had suffered a 20-metre structural failure earlier in the year, requiring reconstruction of the beam, parapet, and walkway, as well as the installation of a twin gantry crash-prevention system.

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    Commissioning the bridge, Umahi hailed the speed of delivery, saying, “It is a big relief to the users of this road. We are happy that this bridge is going to be commissioned after just four months, which ordinarily should have taken even a year,” he said.

    “Nations go through challenges at different times. The conversation of development is not binary. It is multidimensional, and I am enjoying my work because I love hard work. God gave me a boss like no other”.

    While inspecting sections of the Abuja–Kano highway, the Minister gave new directives to contractors and updated progress on the redesigned project. 

    He said the original contract, awarded to China Harbour at N₦73 billion, had a flawed design which was modified so both shoulders would be built in concrete, noting that only about 44 kilometres could be fully executed from the initial funding.

    The Minister said emergency repairs were assigned after public complaints, followed by an additional 20 kilometres based on performance. 

    He said Section one of the project covers 118 kilometres at ₦252 billion, with half of the cost already paid. 

    Seventeen kilometres around Kano are being rebuilt from the ground up, while a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension is nearing completion, Sections one and three already have 8 kilometres of completed concrete pavement, with more ongoing, he added.

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    According to him, Section two covers 72 kilometres, mostly concrete, valued at ₦502 billion. 

    While he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the job, Umahi, however criticised claims that little work had been done, saying the job is just six months old and remains a priority legacy project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Minister addressed concerns over the sustainability and maintenance of the concrete pavement roads, explaining that the government expects to efficiently recoup its investment under the new technology now being deployed nationwide.

    He said: “There is what is called the defect liability period. In all road construction, it’s one year. So when the project is completed and handed over to us, the contractors, you know, we retain 5% of the certificate in every payment.

    “On completion, we release 50% of that, so, we retain 2.5%. After one year and he has maintained the road, then we release the balance. But what we are doing in the majority of our roads is to do, operate and maintain.

    “We are telling this concessionaire, look, with our concrete road, you really don’t have much to maintain. So the percentage that will come to us as government from the tolling will be more. And that is return on investment.”

    Members of the opposition parties that accompanied the Minister commended the project’s quality and pace.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chieftain Segun Showunmi said, “Within the space of three months it is back, it is better, and our people will be happy. I have promised myself that as Goliath was defeated by David, so also at this pace we are going, our infrastructure deficit in Nigeria will be defeated by you.”

    “Mr President, sometimes we just have to thank you. And on that note, Mr President, we want more. But for this one, we truly, truly thank you.”

    African Democratic Congress (ADC) representative, Dr. Kanti Uthman, an architect, noted the change, citing infrastructure improvements nationwide.

    “I passed here four months ago during the rain, there was no road. Today, I was surprised. Last week I was in Kaduna. I left Abuja around 11 o’clock and I was in Kano before 3 o’clock.

    “As an architect, I can tell you this is world standard. Please continue to do more. May God bless President Tinubu. Amen.”

    Engr Musa Zubair, the Deputy Organizing Secretary of Action Alliance (AA) and New Nigeria People’s Party’s (NNPP) National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Sunday Ayeni, both acknowledged the progress of road projects across the country.

    “What I saw today makes me very happy. I passed here four months ago during the rains, we had to divert to Maraba because there was no road. Today I am surprised at the transformation”.

    While urging the President for a quick intervention on the Kabba-Egbe road in Kogi State, Ayeni said, “May God bless President Tinubu. We will share what we have seen with other parties and the public”.

    Technical officials confirmed the bridge’s readiness, “All those damaged sections have been reinstated, for the deck was cast about 29 days ago. So it is ready to be opened to traffic. So virtually, the project is substantially completed,” Federal Controller for the FCT, Yakubu Usuma said.

    Engr. Musa Saidu said the gantry system was already blocking crashes, “Another trailer still made an attempt to hit the other side of the bridge. But with the help of the gantry, the trailer hit the gantry and it stopped… Now the bridge is 98% completed,” he said.

    The contractor on the Abuja-Kano Highway also assured the Ministry of the timely completion of the project.

  • Addressing Nigeria’s ₦18tr road infrastructure deficit

    Addressing Nigeria’s ₦18tr road infrastructure deficit

    The recent disclosure by  Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, that the nation needs a whooping N18 trillion to address its road infrastructure deficit brings to fore critical questions about infrastructure financing and national development. This sober revelation, coming at a time when the country is grappling with various economic challenges, presents both an opportunity and a dilemma for policymakers and citizens alike.

    The magnitude of Nigeria’s road infrastructure deficit cannot be wished away. With over 2,064 inherited projects valued at N13 trillion in 2023, and with present realities pushing the figure to N18 trillion, we are confronted with a stark reminder that our nation has for decades neglected,  squandered and misdirected  our opportunities of making Nigeria an infrastructural hub. Presently, our  annual budgetary allocations through the National Assembly have proven insufficient to address this massive backlog, necessitating the search for alternative funding approaches.

    Building qualitative infrastructure is not merely about convenience; it remains a fundamental driver of economic growth and development with a massive multiplier effect,  road construction extends far beyond the physical infrastructure itself and as Minister Umahi rightly points out, road projects create diverse economic opportunities for an economic ecosystem like ours and could help address unemployment and stimulate local economies across the country.

    Moreover, quality road networks reduce transportation costs, facilitate movement and trade, and enhances productivity across various sectors. The agricultural sector, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from improved road infrastructure, as better connectivity between rural areas and urban markets can help reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmer incomes.

    The proposal on whether we are to fund road infrastructure via borrowing will naturally spark debates. This is due to concerns about our growing debt profile, which are quite valid, the nature and purpose of borrowing must be carefully considered, though Infrastructure borrowing, when properly structured and utilized, differs fundamentally from borrowing for consumption.

    First, infrastructure investments generate long-term economic returns which in turn can facilitate debt servicing. Efficiently maintained roads enhance economic  productivity and helps boost growth- all of which contribute to increased government revenue through various channels.

    Likewise, the cost of not meeting our present infrastructural needs now, may ultimately exceed the cost of borrowing. Poor road networks lead to higher transportation costs, reduced economic activity, and lost opportunities for growth. These hidden costs accumulate over time and can be more burdensome than the interest payments on infrastructure loans.

    Despite these, it is important to note that any borrowing strategy must be accompanied by robust safeguards and clear implementation frameworks. The government must ensure:

    Transparent project selection and prioritization based on economic and social impact

    Strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to prevent cost overruns

    Efficient project delivery timelines to maximize economic returns

    Integration of maintenance planning into project design to ensure sustainability

    Asides borrowing, which is neccesary,  Nigeria may also have other means to addressing such  needs via a number of approaches such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) which can leverage private sector expertise and capital while sharing risks and rewards. Examples abound of successful toll road projects and other aspects of infrastructural development powered by PPP in countries like Rwanda, Botswana,  South Africa,  Morocco and even in Nigeria. A  demonstration of the viability of such an approach when properly structured.

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    Infrastructure bonds which could attract numerous domestic and diaspora investors readily provides  an alternative to traditional borrowing while giving Nigerians an opportunity to invest in their country’s development.

    Asset recycling, where existing infrastructure assets are privatized to fund new projects, could help generate capital while improving operational efficiency. This approach  allows for an influx of capital, where  a public sector entity can apply such  initial funding to invest in higher performing infrastructure.

    The success of any infrastructure development program depends not just on funding but on effective implementation. Nigeria must address several critical challenges:

    Procurement reforms are needed to ensure transparent and efficient project allocation. The current system often leads to delays and cost escalations that burden the public purse.

    Technical capacity within government agencies must be strengthened to improve project planning, execution, and monitoring. This includes better coordination between federal and state authorities.

    Maintenance culture needs to be institutionalized. Many existing roads have deteriorated prematurely due to poor maintenance, effectively increasing the long-term cost to the nation.

    Nigeria’s N18 trillion road infrastructure challenge requires a balanced and pragmatic approach. While borrowing may be necessary, it should be part of a comprehensive infrastructure development strategy that includes: A clear and prioritized framework for project selection based on economic and social impact

    Diverse funding sources to reduce dependence on any single financing method

    Strong governance mechanisms to ensure efficient use of resources

    Integration of local content to maximize economic benefits

    Regular maintenance programs to protect infrastructure investments

    The government must also improve its communication with citizens about infrastructure projects. Public support is crucial for any large-scale infrastructure program, especially one that involves significant borrowing. Transparency about project selection, costs, and benefits can help build this support.

    The scale of Nigeria’s road infrastructure deficit requires bold action, tempered however with fiscal responsibility. While borrowing to fund infrastructure development can be justified, it must be accompanied by strong safeguards and clear implementation frameworks. The focus should be on creating sustainable infrastructure that generates sufficient economic returns to justify the investment and support debt servicing.

    With proper planning, diverse funding sources, and effective implementation, Nigeria can begin to close its infrastructure gap while creating lasting economic benefits for its citizens. It is possible!

  • FG reels out new policies on road infrastructure

    FG reels out new policies on road infrastructure

    The minister of work, Dave Umahi, has reiterated the importance of the emphasis attached to quality delivery of construction works by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said that the ‘business as usual’ syndrome in road construction is no longer tenable under the Renewed Hope administration.

    Umahi added that the federal government under President Tinubu is committed to outstanding quality, value for money, innovation, responsiveness, fast deliveries, and technical expertise in road infrastructure development in the country.

    He stressed that it has become expedient to disabuse the minds of the contractors handling government road projects from executing the jobs in contradiction of set standards.

    In a statement by his chief press secretary, Uchenna Orji, while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), led by the President, Tasiu Gidari Wudil in his office on Thursday, November 23, Umahi reeled out the new policies to guide road infrastructure in the country.

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    The new policies include good stabilized and tested subgrade and sub-base course before pavement placement; expose subgrade, sub-base; and base course to 60 days of vehicular movement and continuous sheep-foot rolling before pavement placement.

    Others are the introduction of reinforced concrete road pavement in most road carriageways and shoulders; continuous maintenance of all roads under construction throughout the life of the project under contract; effective design of road infrastructure anchored on a detailed report of environmental site conditions and geotechnical report; and community relations in terms of keeping roads motorable under the period of the contract.

    The minister however emphasised that supervision was necessary in the actualization of quality delivery of road construction whether concrete pavement or asphalt, noting that each of the two models has its own attendant conditions.

    While explaining that the rate of increase in the cost of materials for construction of the two models is alarming, the minister argued that the cost of materials for asphalt is in geometric progression while the cost of materials for concrete pavement is in arithmetic progression.

    He also reiterated that prudence and value for money are the watchwords of the Ministry of Works under him, and this involves getting materials at the minimum purchase price and maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the product.

    Earlier, the NSE President, Wudil was quoted as informing the Minister that the courtesy call aimed to seek areas of collaboration with one of their own while describing him as a round beg in a round hole, adding, “Since after your assumption of office, we have been monitoring your progress, and I must tell you we are not surprised, what you did as Governor in Ebonyi State is amazing.

    “We visited you when you were the Governor of Ebonyi State and I am going to visit your governor now. I must go because it is like a pilgrimage… In fact Your Excellency, we are proud of you.”