David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to improving the country’s road infrastructure during a recent town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State. Umahi announced that the design for a crucial 63 km segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway in Ondo would be completed by November, showcasing the administration’s proactive approach to enhancing road connectivity across Nigeria. The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is a comprehensive project intended to connect nine states along the coast, covering a total distance of 700 kilometers. It aims to foster economic growth and improved connectivity within the affected regions.
Umahi highlighted the significance of the coastal highway for the states involved and the nation overall, underscoring its potential to transform the economic landscape. Furthermore, he expressed the government’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges, specifically mentioning efforts being made to assist the Aiyetoro community, which is grappling with issues of sea incursion. He acknowledged the dire condition of many roads nationwide and accepted responsibility for the situation, vowing to take concrete actions to ensure necessary repairs and improvements.
Addressing the historical context of the situation, Umahi pointed out that President Tinubu inherited over 20,000 ongoing projects worth more than N13 trillion, along with substantial debts owed to contractors for completed work. He stated that the administration is determined to address these inherited challenges and expressed confidence that many of these long-standing projects could be completed within 14 months. Umahi’s accountability stance was clear, as he proclaimed he would take responsibility for any project failures or road conditions that did not meet expected standards.
In a commitment to prevent the continuation of abandoned projects, Umahi announced a zero-tolerance policy towards contractors who neglect their responsibilities. He revealed that contracts with over ten large companies had already been terminated due to non-compliance, signaling a new direction in how projects would be managed. The minister also mandated that federal road controllers provide comprehensive reports on all roads within their jurisdictions, whether projects had been awarded or not, with the goal of ensuring that all federal highways are passable by the Christmas season.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State praised the coastal highway initiative, asserting that it is a significant project not influenced by political motives. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s support for the economic development of the region and conveyed optimism for the collaborative efforts between the state and federal governments, aimed at maximizing the benefits of the project for the community. The governor’s endorsement illustrates a unified front among local and federal officials regarding the initiative’s potential impact.
Lastly, Mr. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, expressed his support for President Tinubu and Minister Umahi’s initiatives, stressing the importance of accountability in contractor performance. He reiterated the necessity to eliminate corruption in the road construction sector, where contractors are known to collect payments without fulfilling their obligations. Alabi’s remarks reflected a broader legislative commitment to support the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Nigeria’s road systems and ensure that public resources are used effectively for infrastructure improvements.
