Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a warning to contractors handling federal road projects, cautioning them against collecting funds without deploying them to construction sites. He stated that those who fail to utilise released funds will be required to account for the money. This warning was given during a briefing on the progress of major federal road projects across the country.
The Minister of Works emphasised that the ministry would intensify site inspections and supervision to ensure value for money. The ministry has also alerted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and civil society organisations to support the monitoring of federal projects. This move aims to prevent misappropriation of funds and ensure that projects are completed efficiently.
The Federal Government inherited 2,068 ongoing projects valued at about N13 trillion. According to Umahi, borrowing for infrastructure should be regarded as an investment, as these projects are capable of generating returns. The government is focused on completing these projects to boost the country's infrastructure and economy.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken deliberate steps to integrate the Southeast into the national infrastructure network. Umahi claimed that the region had been largely excluded from major federal projects under previous administrations but is now benefiting from several significant interventions. This includes the Second Niger Bridge and associated bypass projects.
The Southeast is also set to benefit from two projects recently approved by President Tinubu, including the Obanewi-Oga axis linking parts of Imo State and a road connecting Otuwacha in Anambra State to Ibaji in Kogi State. Umahi urged the Southeast to embrace greater political cooperation with other parts of the country, describing the move as a handshake across the Niger.
Umahi dismissed reports of serious divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly over his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He described Wike as a progressive and stated that both ministers remained members of the same political family. Umahi also provided updates on several major infrastructure projects.
Key projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, are nearing completion, with the first 47.47-kilometre section completed and ready for commissioning. Work is also progressing on the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Highway and the Trans-Sahara corridor. Umahi defended the procurement process for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stating that it had undergone the required approvals and scrutiny.
Key points
- The Minister of Works has warned contractors against collecting funds without deploying them to construction sites.
- The government has inherited 2,068 ongoing projects valued at about N13 trillion.
- The Southeast is benefiting from significant infrastructure interventions, including the Second Niger Bridge and associated bypass projects.
