The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled ambitious plans for the construction of two extensive super-highways through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
During a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed these strategic projects following a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu, according to reports from NAN.
The proposed super-highways will connect major economic hubs, with one stretching from Abuja to Lagos and the other linking Port Harcourt to Lagos.
Minister Umahi expressed confidence in the successful execution of these projects, citing strong commitments from key stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Ensuring Adequate Funding for Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the super-highway plans, Minister Umahi emphasized the critical need to secure sufficient funding for various road projects. He stressed the importance of preventing unnecessary cost overruns and specification variations.
The Minister underscored the significance of engaging the National Assembly to ensure ample funding for projects directly benefiting the public.
Resolving Long-Standing Road Project Delays
Highlighting the issue of prolonged road projects, Umahi revealed his efforts to urge President Tinubu to consider terminating projects that have languished for over a decade due to inadequate funding.
This proactive approach aligns with the government’s commitment to efficient project execution and effective resource allocation.
Minister Dave Umahi assured Nigerians that the previous administration’s initiatives would not be abandoned, emphasizing the government’s determination to complete projects inherited from past administrations.
Addressing the Legacy Infrastructure Commitment
The Tinubu administration has undertaken a substantial legacy comprising 2,604 projects valued at N14 trillion, covering an extensive 18,000 kilometers of road infrastructure.
A commitment to disburse N4 trillion of this total has been secured.
Advancing the Use of Reinforced Concrete for Roads
Furthermore, the government is devoted to promoting the use of reinforced concrete for road pavements across the nation.
Reinforced concrete is renowned for its ability to withstand heavy loads, including the weight of large vehicles, with minimal deformation, offering extended service life without significant maintenance.
Umahi reiterated that the adoption of reinforced concrete presents an opportunity to leverage local materials and reduce dependency on imported components, a common source of contract variations in Nigeria.
Addressing Concerns About the Third Mainland Bridge
In response to concerns about structural defects on the Third Mainland Bridge, Minister Umahi reassured the public that remedial work has already commenced.
As a safety measure, articulated vehicles have temporarily been prohibited from using the bridge.