Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has urged Nigerians to hold him accountable for any road project failures under the current administration.
Speaking in Akure at a town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Works, Umahi addressed stakeholders regarding the alignment of the 63-kilometer segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Ondo State.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited 20,604 unfinished road projects nationwide, valued at approximately N13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, with contractors being owed N1.6 trillion. According to Umahi, “The President… inherited 20,604 projects totaling N13 trillion… Some of these projects are 20 years, 5 years, 13 years, and 17 years old.” He affirmed that if these projects aren’t completed in 14 months, he would take full responsibility.
Umahi further highlighted that contractors awaiting mobilization payments should not delay construction, emphasizing that financial evidence should precede mobilization. He assured the public that his team would work tirelessly, having already terminated over ten major contracts and is prepared to terminate more if necessary.
Regarding the Ondo segment of the Lagos-Calabar Highway, Umahi announced plans to finalize the project design by November and commence construction thereafter. “The commitment of Mr. President… is not just constructing roads but viewing them as investments,” he stated.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended President Tinubu for prioritizing legacy projects that significantly impact the state’s economy, adding that the state government is committed to cooperating fully.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Mr. Akin Alabi, lauded the initiative, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in road project management, and underscoring that contractors should not receive payments unless actively on-site.
Mr. Banji Okunomo, representing the riverine communities, expressed gratitude for the road’s inclusion through their area, urging timely delivery and pledging local support to facilitate the project.
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