On Thursday, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Nweze David Umahi hosted a meeting in Akure, Ondo State, regarding the Lagos-Calabar Highway project.

The announcement made during the meeting was written in a statement and posted on the Ministry of Works’ official website.

Senator Umahi’s Speech During the Meeting

Source: realdaveumahi/X

According to the statement, the Federal Government has begun discussing plans with key stakeholders to align the 63-kilometer portion of the Lagos-Calabar Highway.

The statement reads, “On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer Nweze David Umahi, CON, conducted a town hall meeting.

In the meeting, he engaged with government officials and stakeholders in Ondo State. The discussions focused on the 63-kilometer segment of the larger 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Highway that runs through the state.”

During the meeting, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi, took responsibility for the country’s failure to have good roads in various states. He said, “When we took office, President Bola Tinubu had inherited 20,604 ongoing projects as of May 29, 2023.

These projects cost N13 trillion, and contractors were also owed N1.6 trillion for completed work.” He went on to say that some of the inherited projects have been around for 20, 17, 13, and 5 years.

The Nigerian President intends to fix all these projects. Umahi mentioned that the projects should be fixed within 14 months. However, if they aren’t, he’ll take responsibility.

Contracts of Ten Big Companies Have Been Terminated

Umahi promised the indigenes of Akure that contractors would begin fixing the roads by this month once they get the designs completed and inaugurated.

He went on to assure them that the completion of the Lagos-Calabar Highway would increase the business potential of the communities and the state as a whole.

Furthermore, Umahi disclosed his displeasure concerning certain contractors who requested mobilization fees. According to the Procurement Act, the client can pay the client at their convenience.

When paid, the contractor must show proof of financial capability. Following this, Umahi declared that there would be no cases of abandoned projects. Any contractor who doesn’t handle the projects diligently will have their contract terminated.

“We have already canceled contracts with over ten major companies and are ready to cancel more if necessary. No one will dictate our choices; we set the terms. Our records are open and transparent,” Umahi said.

Akure State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa Commends the President for the Lagos-Calabar Highway Project

Source: LuckyAiyedatiwa/X

The state governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed his gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts, particularly in launching the Lagos-Calabar highway project. He emphasized that the initiative was not politically driven.

Aiyedatiwa further noted that work on the highway had already commenced in other regions. The governor said, “Tinubu is strengthening our economy. I also appreciate the numerous other projects taking place nationwide.”

In addition to Aiyedatiwa, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Mr Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu. He appreciated him for the initiative and also praised the minister for his efforts to ensure that the federal roads were properly constructed.

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