Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has called on Nigerians to hold him accountable for any poorly constructed roads under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. During a Town Hall meeting centered on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in Ondo State, Umahi disclosed that the current administration inherited over 2,000 incomplete road projects amounting to trillions of Naira.
“As of May 29, 2023, Tinubu inherited 2,604 projects valued at N13 trillion, with contractors owed N1.6 trillion for work already completed,” Umahi stated, noting that many of these projects have been pending for over two decades. He expressed confidence in the President’s goal to complete these projects within 14 months, asserting, “If it is not fixed, I will take responsibility.”
Umahi criticized previous failures in project oversight that resulted in substandard work nationwide. He emphasized the necessity for transparency in contract awards and adjustments, committing to not sign any final certificates without comprehensive explanations. “Contractors should no longer wait for mobilization fees,” he affirmed, reinforcing his dedication to quality and accountability.
The Minister announced the termination of over ten contracts with major companies due to non-performance, stating, “We will tell you what we want. Our books are very much open.” He also directed federal road controllers to deliver detailed reports on roads within their jurisdictions, aiming for all federal highways to be in good condition by Christmas.
Umahi highlighted the potential of the coastal highway to stimulate business across seven states and confirmed that the design for the Ondo State segment will be finalized in November. Furthermore, he mentioned plans for dredging in the Ayetoro area to mitigate flooding issues, promising that the project would commence after the upcoming elections.
Mr. Akin Alabi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, commended both the President and Umahi for their dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s road infrastructure. He stressed the importance of ending the practice of contractors collecting funds without delivering on their projects, reiterating the call for accountability within the Ministry of Works.
