Tag: Umahi

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has directed an acceleration of construction on the Akwa Ibom segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi issued the instruction over the weekend during an inspection of the road with the Senate Committee on Works and political stakeholders.

He emphasised the need for the Akwa Ibom section to match the standards of other parts of the highway, describing it as a “catalyst for the industrial revolution of the country.”

The Minister instructed HITECH to implement 24-hour work schedules, begin roadside landscaping and tree planting, and install solar lighting for security.

He noted that Section 3, spanning Akwa Ibom and Cross River, had been realigned from 65km to 72km to bypass a 19km swamp, a move aimed at controlling costs while ensuring durability.

Umahi said, “This highway will be an economic catalyst. I commend Hitech for working day and night without immediate payment. They aim to deliver in 24 months, not 36. We are also preparing other sections. The government is resolving payment for all contractors and taking courageous decisions to build a lasting road. Constructive criticism is welcome from those who come to see for themselves.”

On funding, the Minister confirmed that President Tinubu approved payments for outstanding certificates for the coastal highway and other projects, following the transition of funds from NNPC to the Ministry of Finance. Payments are pending verification.

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During the inspection, Okoduwa Vincent, Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom, reported strong progress along the 41-kilometre stretch, noting intensive earthwork and the completion of three major culverts. He revealed that over 30 kilometres of the corridor have been cleared and assured that the project remains on track for completion within the approved 36-month timeline.

Dany Abboud, Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company Ltd, explained that the company realigned sections 3A and 3B on the Minister’s directive, bypassing the swampy 19-kilometre section to reduce the need for expensive bridges and decomposed granite.

In his words, “This realignment increased the total length to 71.4 kilometers—41 km in Akwa Ibom and the remainder in Cross River-while minimizing bridge costs and maximizing effective routing. We are currently at kilometer nine.

“The work is ongoing, with about seven to eight kilometers of swampy area left to clear. After that, the entire 71.4 km route will be cleared. We face challenges like the climate and intense rainfall, but we remain committed to completing this project ahead of the allotted 36 months”.

Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Barinada Mpigi pledged the National Assembly’s continued financial backing.

“We are here at the heart of the Niger Delta to see this project. People kept asking if it was alive. Today, we see it is. We thank Hitech for their work. Seeing the investments here, buried in the ground, justifies the funding approvals. The National Assembly will continue to support and monitor this project. We commend the Minister and will continue our oversight to ensure success.” He said

Otumba Segun Showunmi, a PDP Chieftain and National Leader of the Alternative Movement, who was part of the delegation, expressed optimism at the economic potential the road will unlock.

“Your Excellency, thank you. Having seen the Lagos side, I was impressed. I wanted to see the Calabar end as well, to counter any tribal or political narratives. Now, seeing this road in Akwa Ibom, I can imagine the tourism and economic potential it will unlock, similar to how Dubai was built.

All we can say is thank you for the audacity of vision. Engineer Dave Umahi is a dedicated professional. We must build consensus around national development, regardless of who is in power. What matters is the vision and the execution.

Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umhai has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended days of political marginalisation of the Southeast.

Umahi, speaking in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State after he inspected some of the ongoing road construction projects in some parts of the state, awarded by the federal government, said that the people of the Southeast have never had the opportunity that they are enjoying under President Tinubu during previous administrations in the country.

According to the minister, apart from ongoing works scattered across the Southeast under the current administration, the President through his appointments of Southeast sons and daughters into positions of trust in his government has shown that he is a true leader, unifier and detribalised leader who puts national unity and inclusivity when making his choices.

Umahi, while thanking the President for appointing an Igbo son as one of the new Service Chiefs, said that the Igbo have never had it this good under previous administrations.

He said “Southeast is being integrated into the mainstream development of this country. It shows that we have been moved in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor believed in the President, that is why he is in a haste to develop Abia. 

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“The days of marginalisation of the Southeast are gone. We are getting what we have not been getting before; we never had Minister of Works.

“Just few days ago, Service Chiefs were changed, Southeast was not left out. The President in his magnanimity also gave us the Chief of Air Staff. What we are saying is that, in the comity of the Nigerian society, is that the Southeast should be treated fairly and with respect.

“I can assure you that there is no part of the Southeast that mega project from the federal government is not going on.

“There is nothing Southeast will get if we don’t come together, setting aside sentiments to move our people to the center. That is what I know that the governors in the Southeast are doing now, better than the time we (former governors) served. They are going to take the Southeast, straight to the center.

“Politics is about development and when you see somebody who is developing his people, you know that he is a true leader. Abia has never had it like this before and that is

 President Tinubu is an infrastructure god.

“The man that God brought to right the wrongs in Nigeria and to help us take back our country. You can see all the indices of development.  You can see that inflation has dropped to 18 percent. You can see our foreign reserve rising to $43billion.

“You can see the GDP growing over 43percent. We are grateful to God because no man speaks until God has spoken.

Let me assure you that whatever that is the need of the people of the Southeast, this our leaders are working on them ; they are working to ensure that we get what we never got before.

“Let us be supportive and avoid all these attacks. Let us know that we are people brought together by God. Let us know that we are known for hard work.

“The President in his magnanimity also gave us the Chief of Air Staff. What we are saying is that, in the comity of the Nigerian society, is that the Southeast should be treated fairly and with respect. I can assure you that, there is no part of the Southeast that mega project from the federal government is not going on.

“There is nothing Southeast will get if we don’t come together, setting aside sentiments to move our people to the center. That is what I know that the governors in the Southeast are doing now, better than the time we (former governors) served.”

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to constructing quality roads across the country that meet international standards.

 Umahi stated this during an inspection tour of the ongoing expansion of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road project in Ondo State.

 Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr. Hussein Olajide, the minister explained that the Tinubu-led administration was introducing a new standard for sustainability and connectivity in road construction across the nation.

 “It is a very standard road built according to international standards. Initially, the road was built using asphalt, but now, the ministry’s policy is to construct all new roads with Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, which stands a better chance of lasting longer than asphalt,” he said.

 Umahi reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works to delivering good, safe, and cost-effective roads nationwide, adding that the Ore-Ondo-Akure road was one of such priority projects under President Tinubu led administration.

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 The minister also commended the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited, for the quality of work being executed on the 86.43-kilometre carriageway.

He noted that the reinforced concrete pavement design would ensure the road’s durability for at least 50 years and dismissed criticisms about the quality of materials being used.

“We have a mandate from our ministry that all contractors must follow the engineering designs and specifications given to them.

“We have already told the whole nation that the roads being constructed now will last 50 years and above. So adequate supervision is already on the ground,” Umahi said.

According to him, the ongoing project is divided into two parts, comprising a 7.3-metre-wide main carriageway on each side and a 2.75-metre outer shoulder to enhance traffic flow along the busy corridor.

Explaining the structural design, he said, “There is a functional difference between the main carriageway and the outer shoulder, and that difference is reflected in their construction. The main carriageway is the central part of the pavement that carries continuous heavy traffic – trailers, trucks, buses, and other articulated vehicles – and therefore experiences high flexural stresses.

“The outer shoulder, on the other hand, is expected to carry only occasional loads – for diversions, vehicle breakdowns, or short stops – and is designed with minimal reinforcement. The use of A142 wire mesh on the shoulder is standard practice globally.”

Umahi stressed that the same engineering standard was being applied to similar projects nationwide, emphasizing that the Ore-Ondo-Akure road followed both Nigerian and international specifications.

While clarifying that the ongoing construction was not a dualisation project, the minister said it was a single carriageway with added shoulders.

“The current condition of the road before this construction had no shoulder, and in few cases where there was one, it was only surface-dressed. Now, the government has introduced a full 2.75-metre shoulder on each side,”he said.

Umahi added that the project, which has a four-year duration, was on schedule and expected to be completed ahead of time.

“The contractor is fully on course and poised to complete before the end of the four years,” the minister added.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has explained the rationale behind the cost variation and ongoing expansion of the Abuja–Keffi Expressway, assuring motorists that the Federal Government is working with the Nasarawa State Government to eliminate traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside trading.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site on Saturday, Umahi said the Ministry had identified several trading points along the highway that impede traffic flow. 

He, however, disclosed that additional carriageways would be constructed once the affected areas are cleared.

“We have market trading on the road in a number of locations. Our inspection today, we are going with the Governor of Nasarawa State. If the Governor will do the demolition to create additional carriageway, we will fix additional carriageway in those locations, and there will be no more traffic in those locations,” he said.

On the ongoing public debate about the cost per kilometer of a road project, Umahi described the controversy as mischievous and based on a misunderstanding of technical and financial processes involved in road construction.

“This controversy about cost per kilometer, I have told you that this project is about 43 kilometers, but we have increased it to utilize the money given for the project by the last administration, which was ₦73 billion. We have increased it to about 45 kilometers,” he explained.

According to the Minister, the project’s cost depends on several technical factors, “If we are doing surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using asphalt on the shoulders, the cost will be different. If we are using concrete as we are using, the cost will be different,” he said.

He further clarified that any meaningful computation of road project cost must factor in contingencies and the Variation of Price (VoP) components, which may not eventually be used.

“It is being mischievous when you ask for the cost of a length of road. But by professional information, you can ask for cost per kilometer, it could be estimated, it could be divided into sections. 

“The estimated cost of this project is ₦73 billion over 45 kilometers and with the element of contingency and variation of price. When you finish and remove the VoP and unused contingency, and perhaps you have done 50 kilometers, then you can divide and have an average cost.”

Addressing comments attributed to Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, on road construction costs, Umahi said he would not join issues with him but urged the Governor to seek clarification where necessary.

“When I heard that somebody, my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said… I don’t want to join issue with him. I think he is an engineer, an electrician, they call it Elect-Elect. This road construction, Elect-Elect no reach there.

“I am his senior in governance and his senior in engineering practice. So, anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask. 

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“I have respect for him as my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the word that I’m dancing around. I never danced around, and if he insists, he should come for debate, that is very important.”

The Minister maintained that his explanations on project costing were based on standard engineering principles, “There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometer, but I’m teaching them that cost per kilometer could be divided into estimated cost, which has elements of variance, and average cost, which is definitive,” he said.

Umahi also took a swipe at critics who sought explanations from artificial intelligence platforms, “When somebody that is dangling without knowledge goes asking AI what is the difference between cost per kilometer and average cost, I’m happy that AI told him what I told him,” he remarked.

He added that his competence and expertise in the field of engineering are not in question, stressing, “You can become a professor by reason of your practice, and I think God has made me one when it comes to field engineering. That is what it is, you can’t take that back.”

The Minister reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Abuja–Keffi road expansion is completed efficiently, with improved carriageways and reduced congestion for commuters.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued stern warnings to contractors handling failed federal roads in Edo State, threatening to revoke contracts of those who fail to return to the site.

Umahi also vowed to redeploy heads of the ministry in states where palliative works are neglected, stressing the need to ease the movement of motorists.

He gave the warning during an inspection tour of federal roads in Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts, accompanied by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The team visited Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, Egbele in Uromi, sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway under reconstruction, and the Ewu–Agbor road.

During the visit, Umahi urged the governor to intensify support for road users and officially handed over the completion of one carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government. He explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works would provide the design, the state government would handle execution.

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The minister emphasized that contractors have a moral responsibility to assist with remedial work on the nation’s highways.

According to him, “You have to hold me responsible for the heavy traffic on the highway because the President has given every assistance to ensure that this road, all the way from Warri down to Abuja, is in very good condition. The President has directed that none of this project should not stop. So if you see any of them stopping, it is our responsibility. And we owe the public very serious apologies.

“I’ve been announcing that the President has directed that all contractors be back on site. He has saved money to pay them. I’m directing them to get back to the site. I’m commending them because they have not been paid even a kobo in terms of mobilization. So I commend them for starting. When I terminate the job, you can go and demarket me. You can go and say all kinds of nonsense about me. But my conscience is before God. I work for God. I work for the President. And so I’m very courageous to do the right thing. And this is very important. And when you are doing the right thing, no matter the attack you have, God will always be with you.

“One of the greatest problems we have is that we have about six companies. They have more than 25 jobs each. And these were inherited jobs from the past administration. So they don’t have the personnel. They don’t have the equipment to man those jobs. So they go into economic politics. And say, Oh, there is rain. Oh, there is compensation. But I’m poised to address such politics. People are suffering.

“The President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past. When we came on board and I challenged anybody, tell me any state outside what the governors are doing that has a hundred kilometers of road that you can pass without a challenge.”

Governor Okpbholo, on his part, thanked President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads.

He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results, assuring that Edo’s promise of bloc vote for the president in 2027 is non-negotiable.

“What our administration is doing is visible to everyone. In the past, the State Government put up signs saying ‘please bear with us. This is a federal road.’ But Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them. President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful. The by-election results have shown that Edo people have rejected the PDP and embraced APC,” the governor said.