Paragraph 1: Ministerial Directive on Speed Bumps Removal
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has issued a directive mandating the removal of all speed bumps on federal highways across Nigeria. This directive, stemming from a two-day retreat held in Abuja for highway engineers and management staff, aims to standardize the implementation of speed calming measures. While acknowledging the potential benefits of speed bumps, Umahi emphasized the need for adherence to approved designs and specifications. The removal is also in line with a directive from the National Assembly and a broader effort to clear road shoulders of trading activities and obstructions.
Paragraph 2: Road Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst for National Progress
The minister underscored the vital role of a robust road network in achieving key national objectives, including food security, poverty eradication, improved security, economic growth, and job creation. He highlighted the current administration’s commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating deteriorating highways across the country, viewing this as a crucial step towards strengthening the nation’s infrastructure and stimulating economic activity. This initiative forms part of a broader infrastructural development plan spanning all six geopolitical zones, ultimately aimed at improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Paragraph 3: Retreat Objectives and Focus on Service Delivery
The Abuja retreat, themed "Ensuring Delivery of Mr President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development," served as a platform to address challenges identified during the minister’s field visits to various project sites. The retreat focused on enhancing service delivery, promoting efficiency, and fostering collaboration in the execution of road projects nationwide, with an emphasis on ensuring value for money in all government initiatives. A key objective was to equip participants, particularly supervisory staff, with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their technical capabilities and contribute effectively to the realization of the President’s eight-point agenda.
Paragraph 4: Emphasis on Engineering Standards and Contractor Mobilization
Umahi emphasized the importance of adopting internationally recommended engineering standards and practices in highway construction and maintenance. He drew a parallel between the impact of poor roads and the restriction of citizens’ movement, stressing the need for high-quality road infrastructure to facilitate seamless travel and economic activity. Furthermore, the minister directed contractors to ensure mobilization to project sites before requesting mobilization fees, a measure aimed at ensuring prompt project commencement and efficient utilization of resources. He also pledged to institutionalize capacity-building exercises for engineers to enhance their skills and improve service delivery.
Paragraph 5: Alignment with Renewed Hope Agenda and Ministerial Commitment
The minister’s directives and the focus of the retreat align with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to uplift the lives of Nigerians through targeted interventions across various sectors, including infrastructure development. Umahi’s emphasis on quality, efficiency, and adherence to standards reflects a commitment to ensuring that road projects deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry. The removal of unauthorized speed bumps, the focus on clearing road shoulders, and the emphasis on timely project commencement all contribute to creating a more efficient and accessible road network.
Paragraph 6: Collaborative Efforts and Focus on Improved Service Delivery
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Olufunsho Adebiyi, expressed gratitude to the ministers for their dedication and urged them to prioritize service delivery improvements in the road sector. This highlights a collaborative effort within the ministry to address the challenges facing the nation’s road infrastructure and ensure that government investments translate into tangible improvements for the benefit of all Nigerians. The combined focus on capacity building, standardization, and improved project management practices underscores a concerted effort to transform the road sector and contribute to national development.
