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Tag: roads

  • Good roads ‘ll boost our economy, says Senbanjo

    Good roads ‘ll boost our economy, says Senbanjo

    • By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    Chairman of Apapa Local Government Idowu Senbanjo yesterday said construction of roads will boost economic status of the council.

    She said this during stakeholders’ meeting on the 114 roads scheduled for construction across the state.

    Senbanjo stated that the monumental project signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and overall well-being of our residents.

    She said: “As the chairman of Apapa local government, I understand the vital importance of having functional and well-maintained roads for the progress and prosperity of our community. These 114 roads have been carefully selected based on thorough assessments and prioritization to ensure that the greatest impact is made on improving connectivity, accessibility, and quality of life for our residents.

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    “The construction of these roads is not merely a physical development but a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable community. These roads will not only facilitate smoother transportation and reduce traffic congestion but will also boost economic activity, improve public safety, and enhance the overall aesthetics of our beloved Apapa.”

    She urged stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies, to actively participate and support the project.

    “Your cooperation and understanding will be pivotal in ensuring the timely completion of the construction and the successful realization of our shared vision for a better Apapa.

  • Why we are building 114 roads, by council chief

    Why we are building 114 roads, by council chief

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed, has held a community engagement with Adeleye/Osunolodo residents on the proposed construction of road and drainage in the area.

    The council boss said the essence was to share updates, address concerns, gather feedback and inputs, build relationship and trust and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project.

    “We are here to put the road in a better condition that will stimulate the economic activity, enhance transportation networks and ultimately improve the quality of life for those residing in this area,” she said.

    Alhaja Akande-Mohammed appealed to everyone to own the project.

    She applauded everyone for with their presence.

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    She said: “Today, we are here as a patriotic citizen of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA to witness the community engagement with Adeleye/Osunolodo residents in Sari Iganmu. The residents have been yearning for the execution of this project in order to have a great economic value. In response to the clarion call, we are here to put the road in a better condition that will stimulate the economic activity, enhance transportation networks and ultimately improve the quality of life for those residing in this area.

    “In the same vein, as a responsive and all-inclusive government that our administration is running, we have to first engage the community before the ground breaking and kick-off of this road project.

    At this level, I want to appeal to you all that this project is ours and we should do everything humanly possible to achieve a seamless completion. This project is part of 114 roads across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

  • Fed Govt reiterates preference for concrete-paved roads

    Fed Govt reiterates preference for concrete-paved roads

    For the umpteenth time, the Federal government yesterday reiterated its preference for concrete-paved roads to solve the problems of road failures encountered in road infrastructure development.

    Works Minister David Umahi confirmed that this was the rationale behind the innovative technology being embraced as a policy priority of the Federal Ministry of Works, with the full support of President Bola Tinubu who had authorised the immediate implementation of the technology in some ongoing projects.

    The minister, who spoke while hosting Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in his Mabushi, Abuja yesterday, underscored the necessity of employing concrete technology in road projects, citing the unique soil texture of certain regions in the country.

    In a statement by his media aide, Uchenna Orji, the minister noted that concrete pavement has been proven to have the advantages of energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability.

    According to him, concrete, which is a good insulator and a choice for regulating temperature in both hot and cold environments, would be good for roads in the Northcentral state.

    Commending Ododo, the minister encouraged him to undertake legacy projects that would leave a lasting impression on future generations.

    He pledged continuous support to the governor in realising the vision of the current administration to transform the socio-economic landscape of the nation,

    The minister said: “You have demonstrated the capacity, ability, and humility to learn. Exploit the successes of others and add it to your own success. These are things that people do not know.

    “I will encourage you any way we can, through the magnanimity of Mr. President in your state. And we will also encourage you by this concrete road you desire so much support for.

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    “And I’m happy that your Commissioner for Works is here, and you have materials around your place, the Governor of Cross River, Bassey Otu was here yesterday, and he was emphasizing that the concrete road is the way to go.

    “And I’m ready to get some people that can come and stay with you, one week or two weeks, and you will get it started. You will see that it’s cheaper, it’s better, it’s long-lasting and you have peace.

    “In fact, in the last two months, Mr. President approved about 60 kilometers of concrete road in a section of Abuja -Lokoja Road.

    “We will start it next month. And it is going to be fully on concrete also.”

    Ododo hailed the minister for the noticeable improvements on federal road projects under his watch. He restated his commitment to serve the people of Kogi diligently.

    Ododo said: “We count on your experience to guide us anywhere you feel we are not doing very well. We are very open. We are learning. And we pray to God almighty to be a good ambassador of our people and Nigerians. I sincerely appreciate you, sir.”

  • Tinubu orders construction of access roads to Renewed Hope cities

    Tinubu orders construction of access roads to Renewed Hope cities

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to construct access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities in the FCT.

    He emphasised the need to make such cities and estates accessible, liveable and safe in order to decongest city centres.

    The President noted that the new city developments are also an important instrument of massive job creation and economic development, noting that “at 25 direct and indirect jobs per house, the 20,000 housing units planned for the Federal Capital Territory alone will create 500,000 jobs.”

    Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement, following the President’s groundbreaking ceremony of one of the Renewed Hope Cities, the 3,112 housing units pilot project site in Karsana, Abuja.

    He added, “Our goal is to increase the sense of togetherness, improve health and productivity of our citizens and reduce pressure on city centres. On this note, I am today directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Minister of Works to provide access roads to all Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Projects to increase accessibility and liveability, starting with this site in Karsana.

    “This is because my administration believes that every Nigerian deserves to have access to shelter that is affordable and adequate,” he said.

    The statement further read: “Under this plan, integrated living communities that will redefine the essence of residential living for Nigerians nationwide will be built, emphasising that his vision is to build dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities, equipped with amenities to enhance the quality of living for residents

    Read Also: Ondo Amotekun moves to rescue kidnapped passengers in Kogi

    “This includes well-connected access and internal roads, provision of reliable and uninterrupted electricity, healthcare facilities to offer accessible and quality medical services and educational institutions to provide learning environments that nurture knowledge and skills.

    “The president applauded the innovativeness of the Housing Ministry in taking advantage of Public Private Partnership (PPP) collaborations that attract domestic, foreign, and diaspora investments. He said the federal government aims to “design and implement incentive schemes, boost our capital market while enhancing the governance and risk management frameworks to ensure their stability, transparency and integrity”.

    “That is why I took the historic decision of separating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from Works so it can be fully aligned towards tackling the nation’s massive housing problem. That is also why I have appointed experienced professionals with proven track records of delivering in the housing sector to lead the Ministry,” he said.

    Ngelale added, “President Tinubu also assured of his  commitment to providing the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with the support and political will required to ensure that his administration makes a historic difference in the housing and urban development landscape of the country.

    “Expressing excitement that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has awarded contracts for the construction of 200 housing units in twelve (12) states (two per geo-political zone) as Renewed Hope Estates, he assigned the Minister to proceed with the groundbreaking ceremonies in the twelve (12) locations, stating that the estates must be completed before the end of 2024.”

    “The president added that in the next couple of weeks he will also be performing the groundbreaking of a similar project to deliver 2,500 housing units at the Ibeju–Lekki coastal city, Lagos.

  • Lawmaker: more bad roads to be fixed soon

    Lawmaker: more bad roads to be fixed soon

    • I00 youths get N100m in Oyo

    More bad roads will be fixed next year, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Chairman Aderemi Oseni has promised.

    The lawmaker, while expressing optimism that road infrastructure would soon be upgraded , explained that Nigerians can expect to witness a remarkable transformation in major roads starting in 2024 .

     Minister of Works, Dave Umahi , after a recent road inspection tour across the country, lamented that no existing federal road could survive for seven years as the contractors had done terrible jobs.

     The minister added that many roads were riddled with potholes that had deteriorated into ‘boreholes.’

      Oseni, however, assured that starting in 2024, Nigerians will witness  a new era of improved connectivity and accessibility to communities in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda .

     Speaking at the inauguration Advisory Board Members and Mega Empowerment of members of Ido/Ibarapa Constituency, Oseni who flag off a community based development model,  promised to replicate the vision of accessible roads in Ido/Ibarapa state constituency.

     Among the dignitaries present at the event are Oyo state former Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo , Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin , All Progressive Congress (APC) leader in the Ido/Ibarapa constituency, Alhaji Karmorudeen Ajisafe , All Progressive Congress (APC)  Senatorial Chairman , Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Chairman Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo ,  President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes ( CCII), Barister Yemi Soladoye , and  Asiwaju of Ido ,Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN .

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     While recognising the critical importance of infrastructure in facilitating the prosperity of the people, the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA , said that the key challenges in the states are bad state of roads .

     He assured that through collective efforts, there are plans to turn the constituency into a mini state through road infrastructure development.

     ” This includes aggressive road construction , repairs, and maintenance in all wards within Ido/Ibarapa East . By improving and expanding the road network , this will catalyse development and improve accessibility for all residents.

  • FERMA begins rehabilitation of N300m roads in Adamawa

    FERMA begins rehabilitation of N300m roads in Adamawa

    The National office of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said it had begun the rehabilitation of N300 million roads in Adamawa.

    Acting Zonal Director in charge of the northeast, Irikepe -Eugene Baror, told newsmen during the inauguration of the project in Yola yesterday.

    He said the project was 1km road rehabilitation from Shehu Street to Jijji Mansur Street in Yola metropolis aimed at bringing development to the communities.

    “The scope of the project includes cutting of potholes, Stonebase on Potholes, priming with MC1, patching of potholes with Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Course on potholes and failed sections of the road,” he added.

    “The project was part of the 2023 agency’s intervention project which is expected to be completed in three months period,” he said.

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    He added that the agency had also embarked on the rehabilitation of the damaged portion of the 1km Mayobelwa to Ngurore road through direct labour.

    Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in charge of Adamawa State, Babangida Kawuwa, expressed gratitude of the agency to the benefiting communities for their understanding and cooperation over the project.

    “We call on the residents to provide feedback and report any issue that may arise during the project as open lines of communication will be maintained to address concerns and keep the community well-informed,” he said.

    He emphasised that FERMA remained committed to enhancing Nigeria’s road infrastructure as the project was a testimony to the commitment and dedication towards improving the lives of citizens through better transportation networks.

  • Concrete versus asphalt for Nigeria’s roads: which is better?

    Concrete versus asphalt for Nigeria’s roads: which is better?

    • By Hussein Mohammed

    Nigeria’s new works minister, David Umahi, is pushing for the use of rigid pavement in road construction, as against the flexible pavement predominantly in use. This, as the minister noted, is due to the precarious state of flexible pavements in the country.

    A rigid pavement is a road surface overlaid with reinforced concrete, while a flexible or asphalt one has a bituminous (tar) overlay.

    Asphalt roads are the most common type of paved roads in Nigeria. Examples include the Lagos-Ibadan, Port Harcourt-Enugu, Lokoja-Abuja and Abuja-Kaduna expressways. Concrete roads include the Kabba-Obajana road in Kogi State and Apapa-Oshodi road in Lagos State.

    Road infrastructure is essential in modern economies. Economic growth and development requires mobility and accessibility.

    As a professor of engineering who has researched the use of reinforced concrete and asphalt on Nigerian roads, I offer some insights into the issues raised by the minister’s decision.

    The choice is between additional service and higher cost or reduced service and lower cost. This is a design challenge. The decision is not only technical, but also political.

    However, there is no data to speak categorically on whether concrete pavement is better than flexible pavement for Nigeria.

    Comparison of flexible and rigid pavements

    Rigid pavements are generally more expensive and difficult to install and maintain. They’re made out of a cement concrete with a base, sub base and subgrade underlay. Unlike flexible pavement, rigid pavements have a high flexural strength, making every layer virtually immune to bending under pressure. Flexural strength is the material’s ability to resist deformation under load.

    Flexible pavement is designed to bend and deflect according to external factors like traffic loads. Essentially, it is more adaptable to the elements to which it’s exposed. The initial cost of construction is low and with excellent regular maintenance, it has a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Regular maintenance is required for this type of pavement, and repair work is fairly easy.

    Flexible pavements have low initial cost, but higher maintenance cost.

    Comparatively, rigid pavements have high initial cost, but low maintenance cost.

    Asphalt has a relatively smaller surface area of subgrade compared to a wider surface area for reinforced concrete. Subgrade is the material underneath the pavement structure.

    Flexible pavements usually last for 10 to 15 years while rigid pavements last for 25 to 30 years.

    There’s a higher water penetration rate for flexible pavement but lower rate for rigid pavement. The longer moisture remains in a flexible (asphalt) pavement structure the more likely pavement failure will occur. In particular, the continuous presence of moisture in a pavement subgrade can significantly affect the subgrade’s modulus and reduce pavement performance. Subgrade modulus is a conceptual relationship between applied pressure and deflection for a plate resting on an elastic support system.

    Night driving is better on rigid pavements due to the light coloured surface.

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    Extreme weather like high temperature affects flexible pavements but not rigid pavements. In flexible pavements, temperature fluctuations have a significant impact on structural performance, including stress and strain.

    Noise pollution is also high on flexible pavements but lower on rigid pavements.

    The way to go

    The choice of any type of pavement depends on the life cycle and costs of materials, which include initial construction cost, maintenance and repair cost, and cost associated with environment factors such as emissions and energy consumption.

    Consequently, a life cycle cost analysis should be carried out before choosing a pavement type.

    A well-designed road will provide the intended level of service at an acceptable level of safety. It will also reflect local values and policy, which will vary from location to location, and it will place appropriate importance on cost, environmental values and appearance. These should guide the country’s decision on the issue.

    Asphalt roads (flexible pavement) have less initial cost of construction, lower construction and repair periods, they are quicker to repair, absorb traffic noise and can be recycled, thereby reducing waste. However, asphalt has a short life span, requires frequent maintenance, is less able to carry heavy traffic and so is more suitable for light traffic in residential streets and rural roads. It also has a greater carbon imprint, which is detrimental to the environment, as a result of bitumen production.

    Concrete roads have a heavy construction cost, longer construction period due to the time required for curing, and longer repair times. They have a longer life span, low maintenance cost, high durability, and high load bearing capability, ideal for heavy traffic areas such as highways, ports and airports. Concrete roads have a lower carbon imprint from the production of cement, and are less prone to developing pot holes, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

    •Mohammed is professor of engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. “https://theconversation.com/concrete-versus-asphalt-for-nigerias-roads-which-is-better-215355”

  • Federal Govt now to build concrete roads

    Federal Govt now to build concrete roads

    • Some contractors who collected N33b from NNPCL have not been to sites, says Umahi

    Federal Government roads will henceforth be constructed with concrete rather than asphalt, Works Minister  Dave Umahi has said.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his proposal, the minister, a former Ebonyi State Governor, told reporters yesterday.

    Umahi explained that the President was convinced of the advantages in building concrete roads, which the minister said is cheaper and more durable.

    The minister also alleged that there were saboteurs in the ministry, who are conniving with some contractors to frustrate his plans. He vowed to flush them out and hand them over to anti-corruption agencies.

    He spoke at Aso Villa after meeting with the President in Abuja.

    Umahi said when roads are concreted, they would not only lessen demands for foreign exchange by contractors, but also create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.

    He alleged that the saboteurs in the ministry were conniving with contractors who use adulterated bitumen to build roads and inflate costs of projects.

    The minister advised contractors in the habit of securing up to 20 contracts at a time to stop.

    He alleged that “many contractors that NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited)  paid to construct some roads have not started work.

    He said: “Some of the contractors paid  as much as  N33 billion   for road projects  have not been to sites.”

    NNPCL is one of the companies okayed by the Federal Government to  construct some highways under a programme known as the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

    Umahi said: “I came to Villa to see Mr. President to discuss about road infrastructure. I want to thank God because Mr. President approved all my requests. And these requests are requests that will renew the hopes of Nigerians on our road sector development.

    “The approvals will rejuvenate proper road construction. But let me clarify a number of issues, especially for the benefit of Nigerians and our stakeholders.

    “There have been a kind of campaign by some quick fix contractors and some elements within who do not wish us well, who want us to continue with the old order.

    Read Also: Tinubu approved concrete reinforcement for roads – Umahi

    “But we can’t continue to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. The truth is that our roads are not good. The truth is that the past government earmarked a number of roads, which Mr. President inherited, close to about 18,897 kilometres totalling N14 trillion.”

    Asked how the projects would be funded, he said: “By the ingenuity of our President, we are sure of funding of about N5.1 trillion, then, leaving the N6 trillion gap. This N6 trillion funding gap is as of  May 29, 2023.

    “I  thank Mr. President very highly. He is a man who is committed to changing things in this country.   He is committed to the completion of this 18,897 kilometre of roads.

    “All the interventions we requested – the  East-West Road,  the Abuja to  Lokoja Road, the two broken bridges in Enugu, the Owerri-Onitsha road that got broken at two points and the Lagos Third Mainland bridge resurfacing. They all have been approved by Mr. President.

     “We have set up a taskforce in all the locations where this approval that were made by Mr president to ensure that within three months, we would conclude all that are  needed.

     “We are also deploying consultants to supervise our roads. Our engineers will also be at the sites to learn.”

    Highlighting the advantages of concreted roads over asphalted ones, the minister said:  “Roads constructed on asphalt in the 50s are much more durable than what we witness today.

    “We are not saying people should not construct roads on asphalt, but if Nigerians are saying they should not have value for their money, that roads should continue to be constructed every year, then, it’s very unfortunate.

    “That is what our ministry is fighting and we are ready. I’m very courageous to defend this. I learnt there is a gang-up by contractors, but there is no going back and Mr. President is backing this position.

    “We are offering an alternative. What is the alternative? The alternative is what a reputable company is doing in Lagos with Dangote Group. The alternative is for you to go to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and see what they are doing on concrete.

    “Every day, you have over 500 static loads from the Apapa Wharf on that road, but you will not see any crack. No asphalt work; no matter who did the road can sustain pressure.

    “We are saying that concrete is very friendly with water and so, we want our contractors to have an alternative. There is a catalyst in the use of concrete pavement. It will create jobs for our people. Everything about the construction is local. Ten manufacturers of cement have indicated interest in building cement factories.

    “That is good for our economy. It will reduce pressure on the naira. Our roads are going to be much more durable. But we know that some people say it’s more expensive. But it is not.    

    On the saboteurs and contractors kicking against his plans, Umahi said: “There are some elements within that are also fighting me, who are also benefiting from the system and that is the greatest problem we have.  I have been pretending, but I will flush those elements out and send them to ICPC(Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission) and others to handle them because nobody can hold this country to ransom.  

    “I am  giving them the last chance to conform to what will  help Mr. President to reset this country.” 

    The minister also said that contractors who abandoned their projects had been given 14-days   to return to work or have their contracts terminated.

    He, however, added that some contractors had keyed into his plans while some cement producers had agreed to discount prices. 

    He stressed: “Not all the contractors are in this gang up. Some have come to sign an addendum to do road pavements. Those who have not are going to be losers.”

    The former Ebonyi State  governor warned contractors against securing about 20 projects and deploying a few equipment to indicate their presence. 

    He said: “There are some contractors that are quoting for jobs and they have two equipment on site. It can no longer be the same. We have minimum requirements of equipment on site for a particular work. If you don’t have it, you will leave the site. 

    “Many of the contractors that NNPCL paid have not gone to site, some got N33 billion and have not been to sites”

  • Residents appeal to govt on roads

    Residents appeal to govt on roads

    The residents of Agbovipe Community in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have appealed to the government to help them with palliative measures on their roads after the heavy rains wreaked havoc in the community.

    According to the Baale of the community, Chief Thonda Peter, the heavy downpour on September 16 and 22 wreaked havoc on the roads in the community.

    He said: “The major road linking the community to others became impassable as the bridge and adjoining roads were flooded. The heavy rains on September 16 and 22 caused havoc on the road, making it impassable.

    “We are appealing to the government to come to our aid and help to clear the canal so that the road will be passable.”

    Read Also: Federal Govt now to build concrete roads

    A resident of the community, Thosu James stated that the bridge which was constructed by the Lagos State Government in 2016 was always submerged by flood anytime there was a downpour.

    He noted that some parts of the bridge had already collapsed.

    Another resident, Atewon Taiwo, also called on the government to help in constructing drainages to forestall flooding in the community.

    Taiwo pleaded that the drainage measure should cover the stretch of Ajara-Ikoga Road, with particular emphasis on the failed portion within Agbovipe community.

    The community, he said, serves as a link to many others. A community leader, Prophet Babatunde Tosi, called on the government to ensure prompt response as the current state of the road was affecting the livelihoods of majority of the residents within the community.

  • Tinubu approved concrete reinforcement for roads – Umahi

    Tinubu approved concrete reinforcement for roads – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, on Tuesday, said he had secured the buy-in of President Bola Tinibu on the decision of his ministry to adopt the concrete reinforcement method for the construction of public roads

    Umahi, who disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, also explained reasons why the Federal Government decided to adopt the new method instead of the age-long use of asphalt, one of which he hung on the durability of the works.

    The Minister also alleged that he had discovered there are collaborators within the ministry working with contractors that had ganged up against him and the Federal Government on the choice of concrete reinforcement.

    He threatened to flush out these elements within the ministry who have been conniving with contractors to frustrate government’s efforts at development, adding that he would be employing the services of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prosecute the affected officials.

    He also highlighted the advantages of cement roads over asphalt/bitumen, including cheaper costs and the need to encourage local production of cement against importation of bitumen.

    Speaking on why Nigeria is going for concrete and how he had managed to secure President Tinubu’s support for it, Umahi said: “so why would you allow adulterated bitumen and then you come here you say you’re putting modifier.

    Read Also: FG to reconstruct collapsed Enugu bridge – Umahi

    “We are all witnesses that in the 50s, the roads constructed on asphalt in the 50s, were much more durable than what we witness today. So this is all we are saying, we are not saying people should not construct roads on asphalt, but if Nigerians are saying they should not have value for their money, that roads should continue to be constructed every year, the same roads, then it’s very unfortunate.

    “That is what my ministry is fighting and we are ready, I’m very courageous to defend this. I learned there is gang up by contractors, but there is no going back and Mr. President is backing this position.

    “We are offering alternative. What is the alternative? The alternative is what High Tech is doing in Lagos with Dangote. The alternative is for you to go to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and see what they are doing on concrete. Every day you have over 500 static loads from the wharf loaded on that road, you will not see any crack. No asphalt work, no matter who did it, can sustain that.

    “So we are saying that concrete is very friendly with water and so we want you contractors to have an alternative. There is a catalyst in the use of concrete pavement. It will create jobs for our people. Everything about the construction is local. 10 manufacturers of cement have indicated interests to build cement factories.

    “That is good for our economy. It will reduce pressure on the naira. The road is going to be much more durable and some people say it’s more expensive. It’s not more expensive. Some people put even three binders on their road construction, I get the roads will fail,” he said.

    The Minister disclosed that he had been able to get approval from President Tinubu for works to immediately commence on some road projects across the country, adding that a task force, comprising of stakeholders from various sectors.

    “Let me also announce to Nigerians that Mr. President is a listening President. All the interventions we requested in our East-West Road in Benin-Sapele road, in Lokoja, in Shandam Lafia, you know, the bridge that has broken, in the two bridges in Enugu that got broken, in a Owerri-Onitsha road that got broken at two points. The third mainland bridge resurfacing and the underneath work. I can’t finish all, they have all been approved by Mr. president.

    “So we have set up Taskforce in all the locations where these approval that were made by Mr president to ensure that within three months we would conclude all that is needed based on their approval.

    “And let me also announce that we have Taskforce that would supervise for contractors, all the way from Lokoja to Benin, to Warri, Bayelsa, Rivers State and Cross River. We are also deploying consultants to supervise our roads. Our engineers will also be sites to learn from experience. Mr. President has also given approval,” he said.