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

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

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for a review of procurement policies to enhance innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the Federal Government’s road infrastructure agenda. 

    He emphasized that bureaucratic bottlenecks in procurement processes hinder timely and efficient works project delivery, calling for the removal of all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with the BPP management, led by its Director General, Adebowale Adedokun, the Minister sought the agency’s partnership to ensure the prompt delivery of road projects.  

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Wednesday, the Minister stressed that the discussion with the BPP was aimed at addressing delays in implementing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda for road development. 

    He highlighted the need to streamline public procurement processes for seamless and timely project execution while underscoring the importance of removing bureaucratic constraints in project evaluations to achieve greater prospects in road infrastructure development. 

    Acknowledging the BPP’s mandate to ensure accountability, consistency in pricing, and value for money, he urged the agency to address delays, describing them as significant barriers to its objectives. 

    He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    “We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to fast-track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration. 

    “When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes,” he said.

    In his remarks, BPP DG Adedokun commended the Minister for his leadership and initiatives aimed at advancing the road infrastructure agenda under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.  

    “The interesting thing about you,” he said, “is that you don’t fail in your duties. You start and end with results, and your passion for what you do is evident. 

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

    “We are glad to partner with you to ensure Mr. President’s objectives for road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and with full accountability.”  

    While appreciating the Minister’s efforts in convening the meeting to address procurement challenges, the DG noted, “We are here to understand your challenges, share ours, and work together to achieve a common goal. 

    “From my experience, the Ministry of Works is critical because Nigerians observe its outcomes daily. If things fail here, public criticism directly targets the President.”  

    He further emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure value for money, sustainability, and improved quality in road projects.

  • Resume work or face contract termination, FG warns Niger state road contractors

    Resume work or face contract termination, FG warns Niger state road contractors

    The federal government has directed contractors handling ten ongoing federal road projects in Niger State to return to their sites immediately or risk contract termination.

    The decision followed concerns over delays and substandard work despite receiving advance payments.

    The directive was issued during a high-level meeting convened by the Minister of Works, David Umahi which was held on November 15, 2024, in Minna, Niger State with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, members of the National Assembly, representatives of the contractors and other key stakeholders in attendance.

    Expressing dissatisfaction, Umahi criticized the contractors for failing to deliver on their obligations, which he lamented has caused hardship for road users and hindered the state’s development.

    While he emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration prioritizes speed, quality, and value for money, the Minister warned that there would be consequences for contractors who would collect money for projects and would delay or do sub-standard jobs or lack in capacity to deliver the projects in line with the policy direction of the administration which emphasizes speed, quality, and value for money.

    Governor Bago lamented that contractor delays have worsened Niger State’s socio-economic and security challenges.

    He specifically called for the revocation of Salini Nigeria Ltd.’s contracts, which have been pending since 2010, citing poor capacity. 

    According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Saturday, in the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders resolved, among others that the contracts handled by Salini Nig. Ltd were deemed substandard, leading to a decision to terminate and re-award them through due process. 

    CGC Nig. Ltd was directed to prioritize work on critical stretches like Agaie-Bida and Mokwa-Makera roads, with funding assistance promised.

    They were also advised to repair areas of the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Road that were showing defects despite being praised for community contributions. 

    Gilmor Engineering Nig. Ltd was warned against project delays attributed to security concerns and instructed to collaborate with the state government for assistance.

    GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd was commended for its progress on the Agaje-Katcha-Baro Road, with assured funding earmarked in the 2025 budget to expedite the project.

    Develeco Nig. Ltd’s contract was adjusted as the Niger State government took over a 20km stretch. 

    Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd was commended but urged to deploy additional resources for faster progress.

    A feedback mechanism was initiated, with a review meeting scheduled for January 2025 to assess contractors’ performance.

  • Umahi celebrates Ebonyi Women’s Day, extends warm welcome to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

    Umahi celebrates Ebonyi Women’s Day, extends warm welcome to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

    …hails Ebonyi governor’s wife, Mary-Maudline

    Ahead of the 2024 Ebonyi Women Day Celebration on scheduled for Friday, November 15, the minister of works, David Umahi, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of the Ebonyi state governor. 

    Praising this year’s theme, “Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development,” Umahi emphasised the significance of empowering women for Nigeria’s progress. 

    He also warmly welcomed Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as an esteemed guest of honor for the event.

    Highlighting her presence as a symbol of support, Umahi described the First Lady as a role model for Nigerian women, underscoring her contributions to national development and women’s advancement.

    Reflecting on the efforts of Ebonyi’s leaders, he lauded their initiatives to elevate the self-worth and potential of women across the state through various empowerment and enlightenment programs. 

    He noted that such initiatives are crucial for achieving gender equality, poverty alleviation, and economic growth in Ebonyi and beyond. 

    Umahi stated: “Investing in the upliftment of women through empowerment and capacity building sets a direct path towards inclusive economic growth and inspires our women to cultivate the ideals of womanhood.

    Read Also: Umahi engages Ondo stakeholders on Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

    “Your Excellency, I commend you highly for your modest efforts in raising the sense of self-worth of Ebonyi women through your empowerment and enlightenment programmes. This celebration always offers a delightful moment in sharing the memories of progressive accomplishments of our dear women and acknowledging their pride of place in the social and economic advancement of the nation. 

    “Indeed investing in the upliftment of women through empowerment and capacity building sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty alleviation and inclusive economic growth; it inspires our women to cultivate the ideals of womanhood as exemplified by the women role models such as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who has played magnificent roles in the advancement of nation-building.”

    Umahi also extended his best wishes on behalf of his family and the entire Federal Ministry of Works, expressing optimism for the continued growth and empowerment of women in Ebonyi State and throughout Nigeria.

  • Umahi to House Committee chair: Tinubu, ministry addressing road deficit

    Umahi to House Committee chair: Tinubu, ministry addressing road deficit

    • Minister replies lawmaker over verbal attack in absentia

    Works Minister David Umahi has expressed disappointment in a viral statement attributed to the Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA, Aderemi Abasi Oseni, criticising him about the conditions of Nigerian roads.

    Umahi described the comments as an “unprovoked attack” and “inconceivable embarrassment” to himself and the ministry.

    The minister faulted the lawmaker’s comments, saying they were made to incite the public against the government.

    He said the lawmaker did not show understanding about the efforts President Bola Tinubu’s administration was making to give Nigerians modern roads.

    According to hum, the lawmaker failed to verify his facts before launching his public criticism.

    Umahi said the comments were unjustified as neither he nor his permanent secretary was present in the purported meeting where Oseni allegedly attacked him.

    The minister said out of the respect he had for the National Assembly, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, he would refrain from further public exchanges with the lawmaker who launched the vituperations against him.

    He stressed that the facts of the matter must be made clear to the public.

    Umahi said: “For the respect of Mr. Speaker and, of course, the Senate President and the National Assembly that I belong to, I will refrain myself from joining issues with him.

    “He said I have failed. But if a blind man is to assess you, your guess is as good as mine. This is because if he has no knowledge of anything, then his knowledge becomes his god. So, I will not join issues with him.”

    Addressing reporters on Monday, the minister condemned the criticism as “darkening counsel without knowledge”.

    Umahi noted that Oseni’s comments overlooked the administration’s efforts to address the poor condition of over 2,604 federal roads inherited from previous administrations.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, the minister said the Renewed Hope administration had made significant progress in improving public transportation in Nigeria.

    Highlighting the modest achievements of the ministry across the six geo-political zones, Umahi hailed President Tinubu for his administration’s unprecedented attention towards bridging the funding gap of inherited projects.

    “What we did is that we used over 90 per cent of these funds to keep all the inherited projects alive, as directed by Mr. President. This is because a project has to be alive and in the budget before you can look for funds to assist it to be completed.

    “That’s what we’ve done. So, for those who are bitter that we have no projects to award to them, this is the reality.

    “Over 2,600 projects, plus 330 supplementary projects, plus the new projects in 2024, are not meant to be a tea party. They require commitment and dedication, which we are doing.

    Read Also:Fed Govt to begin repair work on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Monday, says Umahi

    “We work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and somebody will say we are giving attention to less priority issues without mentioning those less priority issues that we are giving attention to,” he said.

    Umahi described Oseni’s comments as deliberate, ill-motivated, misguided, self-serving and a vicious propaganda.

    The minister described the comments also as typical of a proxy representing the interest of nonconforming contractors who have constituted themselves into adversaries against the ministry, which insisted on best practices in project pricing, variation on price and foreign exchange differentials.

    “There is no doubt that the vituperations of the House Committee Chairman on FERMA were from the abundance of his heart, but to say that all the roads across the country have failed for the failure of the Minister of Works to address the existing road with the resources approved or for his failure to deploy the N300 billion supplementary fund approved for him or that he is concentrating his energy on the less priority issues shows that the House Committee Chairman on FERMA either has little knowledge of the volume of road infrastructure deficits inherited from successive administrations and cost requirements for road construction or that he deliberately refused, ignored and neglected to appreciate the Renewed Hope administration’s intervention milestones or he is playing to the gallery on the prompting of the nonconforming contractors.

    “Let me say to him that Mr. President inherited 2,604 projects. As of May 29, 2023, the total cost was N13 trillion.

    “That’s what the President inherited, and a debt of N1.6 trillion to contractors. And when you look at the variation by reason of the subsidy removal, by reason of the floating of the dollar, you will find out that if you review all these projects, you will see that you will get over N19 trillion for the total ongoing projects.

    “Mr. President did what no other President has done. He manifested all the projects in the 2024 budget with the hope to give him time to look for resources, including loans, to do these projects.

    “I wasn’t in that meeting where the Honourable House member was said to be addressing me, and there is no way I was going to complain of resources to fix our roads because Mr. President has given very special attention to the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “He has paid so much attention to the sufferings of Nigerians, vis-a-vis the road situation, and the ministry is not the only one in Nigeria.

    “Mr. President has a lot of other challenging situations and competing demands; yet, he has given priority attention to the Ministry of Works.”

  • Senate may issue warrants of arrest on Umahi, Dabiri-Erewa, Others over ignored summons

    Senate may issue warrants of arrest on Umahi, Dabiri-Erewa, Others over ignored summons

    The Senate may soon issue warrants of arrest for Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, among others, due to their alleged repeated failure to respond to invitations from the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

    The chief executives of several other public agencies, including Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, and Sally Best Properties Limited, are also reportedly at risk of arrest.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio gave the directive for the issuance of arrest warrants during last Wednesday’s plenary, following a request by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

    Senator Imasuen expressed frustration over the consistent refusal of these agency heads to appear before the committee to address petitions filed by aggrieved Nigerians and corporate entities.

    Citing Order 42 of the Senate’s Standing Rules, Imasuen highlighted the agencies’ disregard for multiple invitations to defend the petitions lodged against them.

    He then requested the Senate to mandate his committee to issue warrant of arrests against the recalcitrant heads of the affected institutions.

    Being a request made through personal explanation, Akpabio granted it, saying, “You already have the power as provided for by Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution. Please use it by issuing warrant of arrest against any head of agency refusing to appear before the public petition committee.

    “The appearance of the invited heads of agencies before the committee is very important for justice and fairness on issues raised against them in the petitions before the Senate through the Public Petitions Committee.”

    After getting the Senate’s nod, Senator Imasuen told journalists that the list of the affected agencies would be released at the appropriate time, which he did on Sunday through a statement.

    In the statement, Imasuen said “fresh letters of invitations have been sent to heads of the affected agencies following which warrant of arrests would be issued if any one of them fails to appear.”

    He added that aside warrant of arrests to be issued against heads of the affected agencies, his panel would this week, expeditiously consider a petition submitted by Mr Onyebuchi Obioha on alleged withholding of her daughter’s result by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) based on a ‘vindictive report written against her by one of the examination supervisors.’

  • Fed Govt to begin repair work on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Monday, says Umahi

    Fed Govt to begin repair work on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Monday, says Umahi

    Works Minister Dave Umahi has said the Federal Government will begin restorative work on the failed portions of the Lagos-Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode road on Monday.

    The palliative work is expected to be completed in the second week of December.

    After inspecting a failed portion of the road in Sagamu, Umahi said its deplorable condition had caused untold hardship to motorists.

    Umahi said he inspected the road to see what immediate measures could be done to bring relief to motorists.

    He assured motorists plying the road that the Federal Government would complete the repairs before the end of the year.

    Read Also: Senate invites Umahi over Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road

    The minister, who was conducted around the failed portions by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said: “I am not here on my own. I am directed by Mr. President, sequel to our meeting with him, that I should come and do all that is necessary on this road so that the suffering of our people can come to an end.

    “The governor has shown me the terrible three spots. Governance is all about the people. That is what Mr. President is committed to doing. For this one, I’m here with the Lagos and Ogun Controllers of Works. We have constituted an action committee to liaise with your team, the Commissioner for Works, Environment, and Transport.

  • ARMSE hails Umahi’s ‘detribalised job execution’

    ARMSE hails Umahi’s ‘detribalised job execution’

    The Asiwaju Renewed Mandate, South East (ARMSE) has given kudos to the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi for executing the policies of the administration without ethnic bias.

    A singer and Kannywood comedian, Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garko, had accused Umahi of neglecting the northern parts in the distribution of the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda on road projects by the Ministry of Works.

    But the ARMSE led by Hon. Adolphous Udeh told Garko that he spoke out of sentiment, uninformed position and mischief.

    “ARMSE alleged Garko must have been sponsored by contractors whose engagements the Minister revoked earlier in the year for nonperformance.

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    Udeh noted that the Federal Ministry of Work had released a schedule of its interventions in different parts of the country which when properly examined indicate that the three regions of the north got more roads and bridge projects than their southern counterparts.

    “It therefore beggars for explanation on where Alhaji Garko got his misinformation. But the avoidance of doubt, the release from the Ministry of Works which was signed by Garko’s kinsman and the Director of press and Public Relations in the ministry, A. Ahmed, indicates that while the northern part of the country got 52 percent of the roads intervention projects, the south has 48 percent. So where lies Garko’s claim if not for mere mischief?”

    Udeh noted Umahi has creditably stepped up project monitoring and supervision mechanisms on these projects spread across the six geo-political zones, and Nigerians can attest to the fact that every zone has its fair share in the distribution of the ongoing projects.

    “Facts and figures show that out of a total of 2,735km of the Legacy Projects initiated by the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the North has a cumulative total of 1,414km, while the South has 1,321km amounting to a percentage ratio of 52:48, respectively.

    “Furthermore, out of 82 Sukuk-funded ongoing projects, the North has 45 while the South has 37 projects. Out of the 260 emergency projects, 98 are being executed in the South, while 108 are in the North. Additionally, out of the 44 road projects executed under the Road Tax Credit Scheme, 23 are domiciled in the North, while 21 numbers are in the South,” Udeh said.

    To further illustrate the sense of fairness in the treatment of all parts of Nigeria by the Renewed Hope administration, Udeh said that at the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 23rd September 2024 approved the construction of 258 km 3-lane carriageway using continuously reinforced concrete pavement in Kebbi and Sokoto States – part of the 1,000km Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway; the rescoping and downward review of the contract to rehabilitate the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway; the repair of the Gamboru Bridge along Gamboru-Ngala-Kala Balde road in Borno State, among others.

    “The Ministry of Works has achieved a considerable milestone in the execution of critical projects in the North such as the construction and expansion of Mararaba – Keffi road (43.65km), the construction of Lafia Bypass both in Nasarawa State and the Dualisation of 9th Mile (Enugu State) –Otukpo – Makurdi road project (phase ii) in Nasarawa, Benue and Enugu State, the rehabilitation of Abuja – Abaji – Lokoja Road, Abuja – Lokoja Road, Kano – Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, Adamawa – Taraba Single Carriageway, Adamawa – Borno Single Carriageway, Kaduna-Jos Single Carriageway, Zaria-Funtua – Gusau -Sokoto Dual Carriageway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road.

    “The Minister has not only visited these projects but has also set up a supervision mechanism to ensure quality and speed in the execution of the projects. Garko should please be better informed.”

    Udeh vouched that Umahi was committed to applying the tenets of fairness, justice, equity, and good conscience in the distribution and execution of road infrastructure projects as directed by the federal government under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and asked members of the public to discountenance Garko who he said did not speak for the North, let alone Kannywood.

  • Senate invites Umahi over Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road

    Senate invites Umahi over Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road

    The Senate yesterday summoned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the deplorable condition of the Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road.

    The resolution of the Senate’s consideration of a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (APC – Oyo-North), who drew his colleagues’ attention to the worsening condition of the road.

    Abdulfatai said the road, a major link between the South and North, had caused untold hardship for travellers, most of who were frequently stranded due to the poor state of the road.

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    For over 10 years after the Federal Government began major repairs on the road, Buhari said it had remained deplorable, causing regular accidents and daily gridlock by articulated vehicles.

    Buhari in his lead debate underscored the im portance of good roads, saying apart from preventing avoidable accidents, it makes movement of goods and services easy.

    He said: “The Senate is aware that transportation ensures stable prices in different markets and enables traders to regulate the supply of goods at locations, based on changing demands.’’

  • Umahi: Underestimating Ugliness?

    Umahi: Underestimating Ugliness?

    ‘. . . the derelict condition of the federal roads was a source of concern …’ – Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) (The Nation, 30th January 2024)

    Ab initio, it will be worthwhile starting this essay from an unassuming position in order to drive the point home. In this regard, cognizance will be taken of explaining to the readers the true meanings of key words making up the alliterated topic just as in searching out desired topics in research studies, key words play a vital role. Be that as it may, underestimating something is to regard it to be smaller, less important or of lesser value than it is really is. With appropriate diction, similar words that can be used to drive the meaning home are: play down, underrate, miscalculate, de-emphasize, etc. In the same vein, ugliness can be defined, depicted or described as the quality or state of being extremely unattractive in appearance. Going further, ugliness rhymes with such words as hideousness, offensiveness, unseemliness, unsightliness, etc.

    Criss crossing Ekiti, a land of pleasant undulating terrain, agrarian in content and context, with a titillating or tickling tourist appeal, are litany of federal roads that are mostly in parlous state over the years. It is instructive to note that vehicular traffic in Ekiti is on the upward swing on the state roads that are newly constructed and/or upgraded. Most worrisome is the issue of diversion of heavy trucks and trailers from deplorable federal roads to state highways resulting in shortening the intended or designed lifespan of such state roads. This is all at the State’s expense; and a pull at the paltry resource accruing to Ekiti. One cannot but perceive the generational neglect. One may be tempted to ask whether the sins of Ekiti were ingrained or embossed in a hard stone that have occasioned generational neglect hitherto? It is seemingly puzzling or perplexing to many Ekitikete commuting inter and intra town highways bearing the imprints of federal roads.

    It would be recalled that at his inauguration on the 16th of October 2022, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, was greeted with unpleasant situation of federal roads linking Ekiti State with neighbouring states of Osun, Ondo, Kogi and Kwara. It was then in the news. Virtually, all arterial roads entering and exiting Ekiti were impassable; odiously in parlous state! Many would have forgotten, but this writer as then a public affairs analyst and columnist at that time remembered the yeoman effort of Governor Oyebanji in adopting immediate palliative measures to make the road passable. In addition, his numerous trips to Abuja, the federal capital, to parley or confab with officials of government, though stridently criticized, overtime yielded fruits. Thereafter, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) came in to ameliorate the deplorable state of some of these roads.

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    Of recent, the state’s helmsman succinctly stated that the ‘deplorable conditions of some federal roads in the state is a source of concern to him.’ He did not fold his arms like some other state chief executives are wont to. His administration is spending humongous amount of money on the Ado – Iworoko – Ifaki Road, a major link road connecting Ekiti Central to Ekiti North Senatorial Districts. This is despite the state’s meagre resources. One thing that could not be taken away from Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (admirably called BAO by Ekitikete) is his profound reference for President Bola Tinubu. This writer was present with the Governor at the 70th natal anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, at Ido Ekiti, recently. It was on a Saturday. It was surprising that Mr. Governor, upon his return from the event, embarked on project inspection of the Ado -Iworoko – Ifaki Road project which is up to 70% completed. This is the first time that the dual carriageway is being laid with some portion stabilized with hardcore, standardized granite base course and quality asphalt of specified thickness. The Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), which this writer oversees, has been previously on project monitoring inspection to that site and can attest to quality and timely delivery. Referring to this project, Oyebanji was upbeat on the speedy completion, he stated inter alia: “that road is going to cost us N15b. We are able to embark on a project of this magnitude because of the strong support from the Federal Government of Bola Tinubu. This is our modest contribution to complement Mr. President’s infrastructural development and we hope the Federal Government will compensate us after its completion to encourage us so we can fix more roads and further enhance the economic development of the people.” The no-refund policy of the Federal Ministry of Works, though inherited by the incumbent Minister, Engineer David Umahi, needs an urgent review if the state Governors will want to touch federal roads in their state with a ten-foot pole! It is high time it was reviewed with strident terms and conditions that will be win-win for both the state and federal governments. It would be recalled that past investments on federal roads in Ekiti were not reimbursed, and can one fathom another humongous amount of N15 billion on the Ado – Iworoko – Ifaki Road project going the same route? Governor Oyebanji is embarking on this because of the love he has for his people coupled with the goodwill of Mr. President towards Ekitikete. It is hoped that the gracious gesture will be compensated appropriately and adequately by the federal authority. 

    Generational Neglect: Ekiti NASS members to the rescue?

    The Governor was positive about the impact and contribution of National Assembly members from Ekiti State. He had engaged them numerously in Ekiti and Abuja drawing their attention to the sordid state of federal infrastructure in Ekiti. Much as they are proving their mettle, our distinguished Senators (Bamidele Opeyemi [Senate Leader], Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi) and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, it is imperative to remind them of generational neglect of Ekiti federal roads. Pertinent to mention was the news that emanated aftermath of the Federal Executive Council Meeting some days ago relating to the Federal Ministry of Works awarding the reconstruction of Ado -Ifaki – Ikole – Omuo – Kogi as well as Ado – ABUAD – Ijan – Ilumoba Roads. The Ekiti State Government was elated and the news was greeted with a press release same day. However, this writer was discussing with a critical stakeholder in the Ekiti project, and he took the whole thing with a pinch of salt as according to him, some federal roads had been awarded up to three times in Ekiti, in the past, with nothing to show for it! It is gladdening that the incumbent Minister of Works, Engineer David Nweze Umahi, a professional civil engineer, knows his onions in planning and constructing of critical road infrastructures, looking at his antecedents in office. I hope he will prove naysayers wrong this time around!

    Umahi: Ultimate Uhuru?

    Is it yet Uhuru as far as federal roads are concerned in Ekiti? The state of ugliness of the federal roads in Ekiti cannot be fathomed unless one experiences it! It is high time our dear Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, did a reconnaissance survey of some federal roads in Ekiti. The last time he was to tour Ondo and Ekiti, possibly due to exigency of office, Ekiti was left out!! This writer is appealing, much as these road projects are awarded, the Honourable Minister as a professional engineer that he is, should commence a reconnaissance assessment of these projects to ensure value for money and to make contractors and consultants to work in conformity with the specifications in the conditions of contract and enhance timely delivery. It is imperative to mention that the Federal Ministry of Work should learn something from the way and manner of contract execution in Lagos State. It was during the time of the incumbent President Bola Tinubu serving then as the Governor that the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy was initiated and enforced in Lagos. This writer once served as the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation in that state for upward of six years – spanning Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and the incumbent, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, eras. What are the things to learn from Lagos? This essayist will pinpoint the following: firstly, the federal ministry may need to streamline the number of road contracts per budget year; secondly, the advance payment or mobilization fee should be reviewed upward to nothing less than 40 – 50% of the total contract sum with the proviso of obtaining performance bonds from banks by the contractors; and thirdly, there should be regional monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) teams periodically inspecting and reporting on projects to the Minister. The latter, due to the diversity and vastness of areas to be covered could be outsourced to consultants so as to ensure value for money. These laudable steps could be adopted or adapted, depending on the situation of things at the Federal Ministry of Works, to aid performance and elicit value for money expended on critical infrastructures. These steps can, in a way, be a sort of checkmating contractors’ shoddiness; call attention of the ministry to act swiftly where necessary; and simultaneously provide credibility rating of contractors involved in federal projects all over the country.

    Conclusively, is it yet Uhuru taking cognizance of past federal government interventions on federal roads in Ekiti, in times past, most of which were publicized with much fanfare ending up with apparently no outcome at the end of the day? However, if the Ministry of Works will expect and work at better outcomes, than previous years, things should, and must, be done differently as according to the renown German physicist, Albert Einstein, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” The time to act is now; and it is ticking!

    • Engr. (Dr.) John Moyo Ekundayo, MNSE, MNICE, MNAE, a civil engineer, is the Special Adviser/Director General on Transformation and Service Delivery, to the Ekiti State Governor. He writes from Ado Ekiti.

  • President Tinubu will reset Nigeria, says Umahi

    President Tinubu will reset Nigeria, says Umahi

    Works Minister David Umahi has said it is the will of God for President Bola Tinubu to reset Nigeria for the citizens to have a better life.

    The minister spoke yesterday in Bauchi when he visited Governor Bala Mohammed.

    Umahi is in Bauchi to sympathise with the governor and the people over the flood that killed seven persons, destroyed houses and washed away some roads across the state.

    The minister, who acknowledged that the Tinubu administration inherited a poor economy, said the President was doing everything possible to change the narratives for the better.

    He said the President deserved support and prayers of Nigerians, adding: “We don’t have any other country. I want to ask for your support and that of the Bauchi people to support him.

    “For me, even when there were challenges in the Southeast, in terms of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, I kept saying that it was the will of God for the president to come and reset the nation and retake our nation.

    “The President has taken wide and courageous decisions, but it may not be very clear to the citizens, especially those who are not deeply exposed.

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    “When you have somebody that is sick, the first thing you do is to give a first aid and then begin to do tests to find out the problem. But the good thing is that the President is a technocrat; he knows everything about the situation in the country.

    “He is doing a lot to alleviate the sufferings of the people. …Talk of the cash transfer, the student loan, and the compressed natural gas (CNG) to answer to the needs of our energy.

    “Talk about his exploit in the area of security and road infrastructure. Yes, the Northeast has been saying they were shortchanged, but the President is set to change the narrative.”

    Umahi said the Federal Government was executing Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road project, under the Tinubu Legacy Project, to enhance transportation services and encourage social and economic development in the Northeast.

    He commended Mohammed for initiating remedial works on the flood affected roads and support to the affected persons.

    The minister said the ministry had identified failures in three sections of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway at Azare and Yana in Katagum and Shira local government areas of the state.

    “There are also failures at two locations of Azare-Misau road. All will be attended to in no distant time,” he said.

    Mohammed urged the Federal Government to expand the scope of its Legacy Road projects to the Northeast.

    The governor, who emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in driving economic growth and prosperity, lauded the Tinubu administration’s legacy projects in the country.

    He praised Umahi for prompt response to abandoned road projects, pledging continued collaboration and support to Federal Government’s policies and programmes.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, accompanied by Mohammed and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, inspected the failed section of the Babaldu-Ningi-Bauchi road.