Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, pledged to take responsibility for any poorly constructed roads under the current administration, emphasising a commitment to enforcing standards.
Speaking in Akure on Thursday during a Federal Ministry of Works town hall meeting about the Ondo State section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, he highlighted that the government would not hesitate to terminate contracts with non-compliant companies.
“We are committed to turning our stone to bread. There is no complaint, and we are not distracted. I will take responsibility for every failure, any road that is bad, any road that is ongoing and not being constructed, but be assured that we are not sleeping,” said Umahi.
Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu inherited 2,604 abandoned road projects valued at over ₦13 trillion in May 2023, with contractors owed ₦1.6 trillion.
He noted, “One of the things we saw when we came on board was that Tinubu inherited 2,604 road projects as of May 29, 2023, worth over ₦13 trillion. The contractors were being owed ₦1.6 trillion for some of the jobs done. So, the President, a man of courage, still has to manifest all the projects inherited to fix them.”
He added that Tinubu is committed to completing these legacy projects within 14 months, describing the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a key development that will boost local business across seven states.
Umahi assured that designs for the Ondo section will conclude by November, aiming for motorable federal roads by Christmas.
“Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design [for Ondo State] within the month of November and we will inaugurate it,” he added.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended Tinubu for prioritising legacy projects in the state.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the coastal highway project would benefit residents significantly.
In support, Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, praised the President and Minister for the proactive approach.
He stressed accountability: “We have to say bye-bye to the practice of contractors collecting money and not working. If contractors are not on site, don’t pay them because that is one of the biggest scams in the ministry.”