Tag: Umahi

Stakeholder engagement on the Phase Two of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, on Sunday in Lagos

The Northeast is not left out of President Bola Tinubu administration’s legacy projects, Works Minister Dave Umahi said in Lagos yesterday.

Partly funded by the China Exim Bank, the minister said that the fourth legacy project of the administration stretched from Akwanga to Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe. 

Umahi gave the assurance at a stakeholder engagement on the Phase One and Phase Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

He said: “Let me first start by discussing the fourth legacy project of Mr. President. I watched a motion on the floor of the Senate where the motion was alluding that out of the four legacy projects of the President, none is for the Northeast.

“We have a fourth legacy project of Mr. President that is running from Akwanga. It goes to Jos and from Jos, it goes to Bauchi and to Gombe states.

“It is being funded partly by the China Exim bank, but we came to a point of conflict because the president directed that the road should be redesigned on concrete and it should also be six lanes. That is, three lanes per carriageway.

Read Also: Umahi: First 30km of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway to be ready in May

“They said we cannot do three lanes per carriage way; so, we intend to do a public engagement with stakeholders in the Northeast to discuss.

“It is either we convince the bank to agree to the directive of Mr. President or we agree on four lanes for the two carriageways.’’

The minister emphasised that the four legacy projects were spread across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Disclosing that each of the legacy projects included a train track, Umahi said that the Badagry-Sokoto Highway was originally conceived by the Shehu Shagari administration to run from Badagry to Sokoto.

He said that Tinubu decided that it should begin in Sokoto and go down to Badagry.

The minister said that the road was approximately 1,050-kilometre, adding that construction had begun with the first 120-kilometre Section in Illela, Sokoto State, using three lanes on each carriageway.

The minister said that the second Section, a 258-kilometre stretch in Kebbi, was being planned to be expanded into six lanes (three per carriageway).

Umahi said that procurement for the second carriageway of the Badagry-Sokoto Highway was expected to begin in March.

He also said that the Trans-Saharan Highway was progressing from Ebonyi toward Sokoto.

Umahi said that efforts were being made to complete 10-kilometre of concrete road in both Sokoto and Kebbi states by mid-May for inauguration.

He highlighted the environmental benefits of using concrete, saying that it emitted less heat and allowed Nigeria to earn carbon credits.

Minister of Works Senator David Umahi has said that President Bola Tinubu is determined to complete all projects by his Renewed Hope administration.

Umahi spoke when his visited the Ndibe beach Afikpo with staff of the Ministry to carry out the last phase of inspection for the Ndibe beach crossing construction.

The Minister assured the Ndibe Beach Crossing is part of the project that would benefit the people of Ebonyi and Cross River States.

Umahi urged the people to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu adding that the President remains committed in the development of the South East especially the road infrastructure in the zone.

Read Also: Abdulhamid chairs WTO’s committee

He noted that all is now set for the commencement of the project having secured all the necessary approvals and called on the people of the area to ensure the protection of lives and properties of those that would carry out the job in the area.

Reacting, the Leader of Ebonyi Assembly and Member Representing Afikpo West State Constituency, Kingsley Ikoro commended the Minister for attracting the project for the people of Afikpo.

Enumerating some of the importance of the Beach Crossing linking Ebonyi and Cross River State, Ikoro maintained that the crossing would ensure economic growth, easy transportation of goods and services and open up the area for wider infrastructural development.

Ikoro described the project as a legacy project of the Renewed Hope Agenda administration of President Tinubu.

He noted that the people of Afikpo over the years have yearned for such a crossing to be constructed adding that the project will bring to an end, the risk faced by farmers while transporting their goods to the area.

He assured the Minister that the people of Afikpo and Ebonyi State in general will continue to support the present administration of President Tinubu adding that maximum security would be guaranteed for the equipment that would be used for the project.

The House of Assembly Member Representing Afikpo East State Constituency, Ukie Ezeali, said that the developmental and economic importance of the project to Afikpo people when completed cannot be overemphasized.

He added that it will boast the ease of doing businesses in the area and link the city to other neighbouring towns. 

The dualisation of sections two to four of the Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta Expressway has commenced.

Works Minister Dave Umahi kicked off the project yesterday in Ekpoma,   headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo.

Umahi reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to making federal roads motorable.

He stated that the Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta corridor which links  Edo and Kogi states was of critical economic importance.

  “This road is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. It is a signature project that will open up this axis for economic and social development. Roads constructed under this administration will stand the test of time, lasting over 50 years,” said the minister.

Umahi praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who yesterday marked 100 days in office, for his developmental strides.

He said: “As long as you (Okpebholo) keeps working for Edo people, fear nothing. Those heading for tribunal are simply wasting their time.

‘’The partnership between Governor Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole has paid off. Together, they presented a compelling case to the President, and today,  Edo people’s long-standing dream is a reality.”

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District,   hailed  President Tinubu for prioritising durable infrastructure.

He said: “Previous administrations made us believe that Nigerian roads could not last beyond 10 years. Today, under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing roads designed to last between 50 and 100 years. This is how sustainable growth is achieved.”

The former governor of Edo State also stated that the dualisation of the road would significantly boost commerce, transportation and regional integration.

Read Also: Umahi endorses Nwifuru for second tenure 

  Okpebholo described the kick-off of the road’s dualisation as a turning point for the state.

He recounted his participation in protests over the poor state of the road and thanked the President for coming to the rescue of the residents, commuters and motorists.

Okpebholo, while delivering his speech knelt down to thank the President for approving the project. The road connects Edo South to Edo North and Kogi State, terminating in the Ajaokuta, he steel town.

The governor said: “As someone who resides along this corridor, I understand the pains of the people. Today, the story has changed. Edo people are now experiencing meaningful development.”

Okpebholo also paid tribute to Oshiomhole for his relentless advocacy.

  “Senator Oshiomhole stood by me and insisted that this road must be fixed. Today, that determination has paid off,” he said.

The governor called on residents of the state to show appreciation through their votes in 2027.

He said: “2027 will be the time to thank President Tinubu and the APC for the transformation we are witnessing today.”

Kogo State Governor Ahmed Ododo was represented at the ceremony by his deputy.

Works Minister Dave Umahi has kicked off the dualisation of sections two to four of the Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta Expressway, a strategic federal road project set to transform socio-economic activities in Edo and Kogi states.

At an event yesterday at Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, the minister reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to making federal roads motorable across the country, thereby enhancing national development.

Read Also: Umahi endorses Nwifuru for second tenure 

He said the Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta corridor was of critical economic importance, linking Edo and Kogi states and serving as a major route for the movement of goods and people.

Umahi said: “This road is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. It is a signature project that will open up this axis for economic and social development. Roads constructed under this administration will stand the test of time, lasting over 50 years.”

The minister hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for his developmental strides, including the ongoing flyover at Ramat Park in Benin, the state capital, and congratulated the governor on attaining 100 days in office yesterday.

The Minister of Works Dave Umahi said Nigeria needed N18trillion to tackle its roads infrastructure, which the annual provisions in the National Assembly Appropriation Bills would not be able to address.

Umahi disclosed this while speaking with journalists after he appeared before the Senate Committee on Works to defend his ministry’s 2025 budget proposals.

“Remember the President inherited 2,064 projects, totaling N13trillion in 2023. If you review that project in line with the market realities now, it should be close to N18trillion.

“So, when the President, who is an economist, who has gone through all the segments of what we are passing through, by reason of his experiences, and is making efforts to borrow money to do these projects, then the public will be challenging his actions.

“That’s what I have been telling the National Assembly, and we are on the same page now. We have to borrow money to fix the roads.

“The roads, when fixed, are catalysts to economic growth. It also eliminates hunger. This is because road infrastructure activities create a lot of economic activities.

Read Also: Fed Govt needs N18.6tr to fix roads in four years, says Umahi

“Those who are selling sand, chippings, ‘mamaput’, rocks, and so on and so forth. There will be a lot of activities. So we need to give attention and encourage Mr. President to borrow money.

“He (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) cannot manufacture money. He has to be encouraged.

“You say he’s trying to steal your money. That’s very discouraging. So road infrastructure cannot be fixed by mere yearly budgetary. allocation. It has to be given plenty of attention,” Umahi said.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, noted that Nigeria requires enormous funds to effective address its roads infrastructure.

“We can see that these projects are very enormous and we have to see how we can engage in other ways to get money to see how projects can be delivered to our people.

“Sometimes when people look at the National Assembly asking for projects in their homes it is not because the National Assembly just wanted to do that project in their house,” Mpigi said.

Works Minister, David Umahi, has assured the people  of the South East that the coming years will mark a turning  point in the efforts of the federal government in tackling security challenges in the zone.

Receiving a delegation of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum at his Uburu country home in the Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Umahi said the South East has harvested unprecedented democracy dividends under the Renewed Hope administration.

He called for more support for the administration.

“We must always be grateful to God, and we must be grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I believe strongly that the Igbo people, the South East people, are now on the right track,” he told his guests.

He added: “We have learnt to talk less. We have learnt to know that the centre belongs to all of us. We have learnt to support the government at the centre.”

The minister also hailed Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for deepening the cause of peace and tranquility in the state and expressed support for the governor’s second term.

Read Also: Ganduje, Wike, Umahi, Lawan,others urge unity, tolerance, peace

He described the governor’s eight years in office as sacrosanct.

He said:  “I will continue to preach equity, fairness, and justice in Ebonyi State. We will continue to encourage our dear governor to be fair to be equitable.  God will continue to be with him.”

He urged the youths of Izzi Nnodo and the rest of the state to continue to champion the cause of peace and fairplay, equity and good conscience.

Earlier in his speech, the President-General  of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Dr Andrew Elom said that the aim of the visit was for the youths of the three Local Government Areas  that make up Izzi Nnodo where the current Governor of Ebonyi State hails from, to share the joy of the season with the   Minister  and to thank and appreciate him for  being  a divine  instrument for  making  an Izzi son the Governor of Ebonyi State.

Minister of Works,  Engr Dave Umahi, has said the decision to switch from using asphalt for the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road to using concrete will save the Federal Government more than N640 billion.

The contract for the construction of the road which was awarded to Julius Berger was recently terminated by the minister, who accused the contractor of unethical practises and failure to abide by the terms of the project.

The Minister said when re-awarded, it would be for a concrete road.

Umahi said this when he appeared before the Ad hoc Committee to Monitor the Construction of the road, chaired by Hon Aminu Jaji.

The Minister was displeased that the project, which he said was uncompleted and shoddy, had lasted about seven years.

He said by their estimation the decision would save the Federal Government over N640 billion from the N1.5 trillion demanded by Julius Berger due to variation.

He also said the road would be of better quality and would be done in record time.

He said: “By the engagement of my approach, I saved the nation N640 billion from Julius Berger. If we had accepted to do the job for N1.5 trillion, then they would have… Now we are saving the country over N640 billion. And we are improving on the architecture of the road.”

He said they were well within their rights to terminate the contract as the problem with Julius Berger was not just about money.

He said the ministry adequately engaged the contractor on how the matter could be resolved but to no avail.

“The problem of Berger is not just a problem of cost. We said in our conditions for acceptance that this project must be completed in 14 months.

“This project is non-vary project unless the dollar goes beyond N2,000 per dollar. They refused all those conditions and they set booby traps for us,” Umahi said.

He was asked by the committee if it would not be more expensive to re-award the contract when Berger had already done some work and if it would not be more cost effective to retain the same contractor even for the concrete road project

Read Also: Umahi to BPP: Remove bureaucratic bottlenecks for innovative road project delivery 

Umahi said there was no going back on the decision as the difference between the ministry and Berger appeared irreconcilable.

He also said it would be unethical to just give the contract to Berger because the contract has to be thrown open for all to bid. He said Berger could still bid for the project if it wanted.

“We terminated the job within our rights as executive. They were fairly treated. It is within my right to determine choice of pavements.

“When you compare the cost, we are in safe haven. Leave the concrete; it is my baby. It’s cheaper to use concrete and we are putting additional job of solar light and CCTV.

“We were in negotiation with Berger for 14 months. It is within my right to terminate the job and we followed due process. I am happy the road was terminated from Berger.

“We had cases of kidnapping due to the condition of the road. We begged them to fix the potholes but they refused. Sections of the road were bad but they refused to do it,” he said.

The Committee Chairman, Jaji, directed that all relevant documents related to the project be submitted so they can be better guided in addressing the issue.

The minister was required to supply the committee contract agreement, certificate rates, evidence of payment made so far, among others.

“If certificate was raised, what was the value and the percentage of work covered. If you want a review, at what point do what the review or what point was the review done? All these are information we require,” a member of the Committee, Idris Wase, who moved the motion for the submission of documents, said.

The Chairman also observed that there appeared to be discrepancies in the figures for the project presented by the ministry and the contractor.

He said the Committee was not out to get anybody but to ensure the right thing is done in the interest of the country.

He said their mandate was to push the ministry to ensure that the job is done.

In an earlier meeting with the Committee, Julius Berger had blamed the slow work on the road on poor remuneration and policy changes.

Speaking during the interactive meeting with the Committee, the management team of the company led by Mr Benjamin Bott said they were being owed by the Federal Government.

He said at a point, the work stopped because government came with the option of concrete instead of asphalt.

He also recalled that a point, the problem of insecurity kept workers away for 11 months due to a bomb blast in Kaduna. He said their workers were attacked.

The committee had also directed the company to supply all documents related to the contract from when it was awarded till date.

• Bags Court of Appeal Fellowship

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has underscored the need for infrastructure digitization to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s justice system.

Emphasising the critical role of judicial infrastructure in ensuring effective justice delivery, the Minister stressed that the transformative impact of improved access roads, courtrooms, judicial quarters, power supply, and electronic systems on the justice system has become imperative.

While delivering his paper titled ‘The Importance of Judicial Infrastructure to Adjudication’ during the 2024 Court of Appeal Justices Annual Conference in Abuja recently, Umahi emphasised that such investments reduce delays in adjudication, boost judicial productivity, and make justice delivery more transparent, cost-effective, and accountable. 

“The availability of adequate judicial infrastructure ensures equal and free access to justice and speeds up its dispensation,” Umahi noted, praising the resilience of judicial officers who continue to excel despite systemic challenges. 

In a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Orji, the minister detailed efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the infrastructure deficits hampering judicial efficiency.

These, according to him, include constructing durable road networks, modern court facilities, and power and digital infrastructure while also enhancing judicial welfare through housing programs and improved remuneration. 

Read Also: Umahi to contractors: govt jobs no longer business as usual

“The Renewed Hope agenda is focused on revolutionising critical infrastructure to drive socio-economic development.

“The president’s commitment to empowering the judiciary will have a multiplier effect on justice delivery, making it more accessible and cost-effective while upholding the judiciary’s independence,” he said.

In his remarks, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), commended Nigeria’s judiciary for its steadfastness amid challenges and called for proactive measures to combat corruption.

He urged the government to prioritise self-reliance through investments in education and economic sustainability, which he argued would indirectly reduce the burden on the judiciary. 

“Building more schools and fostering self-reliance will reduce the workload on judges.

“Judges are overburdened and deserve better conditions to perform their duties effectively,” the former AGF said.

Umahi was honored with the title of Fellow of the Court of Appeal (FCA) for his contributions to infrastructure development and advocacy for judicial efficiency.

• Agency promises effective collaboration with ministry
• Reps urge ministry to allocate N1b for Ontisha-Andoni road

Works Minister David Umahi has urged the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to review procurement policies to enhance innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in Federal Government’s road infrastructure agenda.

The minister noted that bureaucratic bottlenecks in procurement processes hindered timely and efficient project delivery.

He urged the BPE to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation.

Umahi spoke yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the BPP management, led by its Director General, Adebowale Adedokun.

Read Also: Umahi to contractors: govt jobs no longer business as usual

The minister sought the agency’s partnership for prompt road project delivery.

Also, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Ministry of Works to allocate at least N1 billion in the 2025 budget estimates for the construction of the Onitsha–Atani–Ossomala–Ogwuikpele–Ndoni Road.

The Green Chamber mandated its Committee on Appropriations to ensure that the sum is allocated in next year’s budget estimates for the construction of the Onitsha–Atani–Ossomala–Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road.

It also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.