From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Government has approved the reaward of two critical bypasses on the 2nd Niger Bridge, linking the Asaba-Benin and Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageways. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made the disclosure while receiving a delegation from the South-South Caucus of the 10th Assembly, Federal House of Representatives on Thursday.
He further disclosed that the government has also approved the commencement of Section III of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from the Cross River-Akwa Ibom axis, alongside accelerated attention to the long-delayed East-West Road project.
Umahi acknowledged the caucus’ strong commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works in support of the Renewed Hope administration’s transformative agenda.
He emphasised that the government remains determined to reverse decades of infrastructural decay and deficiencies in Nigeria’s road network.
“I want to commend Mr. President very highly for the courage behind this project. The four legacy projects of Mr. President are the icing on the cake. We will complete the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar highway, and with your support—and, of course, by God’s special grace—the miracle of a second tenure will come to pass. We have time to get this project fully completed. I have no apologies when I say we need time because he has started this good work, God will give him time to finish it. This project will be a catalyst for economic growth,” he said.
He also issued a stern warning to underperforming contractors, stating that non-performing contracts on federal roads would be revoked. He reassured Nigerians that once the president’s vision for the works sector is fully implemented, the country would experience significant economic milestones.
The minister further revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has reawarded three critical sections of the East-West Road to expedite its completion. On the Eleme-Onne Road, he explained that the government has committed RCC Limited to the first 15-kilometer stretch, which includes one bridge and one flyover. However, he stressed that to meet the December completion target, two additional contractors would need to be engaged.
“On the Eleme-Onne Road, we have agreed to commit RCC Limited to the first 15-kilometer stretch, including one bridge and one flyover.
However, to meet the December completion target, we must engage two additional contractors. If RCC is strategic, they could subcontract portions of the stretch to speed up the process. But they cannot hold onto the job while people continue to suffer on that road,” he said.
Regarding the Agbor route, Umahi noted that the project would be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the necessary approvals already forwarded to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). He assured that the government was awaiting final clearance and would proceed with groundbreaking ceremonies once approval was secured.
“We’ve sent the required documents to BPP, and we hope to get approval by next week. Once approved, we will invite you for the groundbreaking ceremony. We won’t proceed with anything without your involvement,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South Caucus, Agbedi Yeitiemone Frederick, leader of the Bayelsa State caucus, stressed the need for urgent government intervention in rehabilitating South-South roads inherited by the present administration. While commending the president for the recent FEC approvals for key road projects, he expressed concerns over the slow pace of ongoing construction efforts.
“Yes, there are road projects and ongoing construction, but we must emphasize that the work is moving too slowly, and our people are suffering. It’s difficult to fly into Benin and access other parts of the state. In Port Harcourt, navigating through the industrial hub, particularly the Eleme-Ogoni axis, is a nightmare. If you land in Akwa Ibom, reaching Cross River and Calabar is almost impossible,” he lamented.
Frederick also urged contractors to prioritize employment, empowerment, and skill development as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the communities where they operate.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to fixing the country’s deteriorating road infrastructure. He emphasized that while the administration remains dedicated to restoring the road network, public cooperation and support will be critical to achieving this goal.
“The minister has demonstrated remarkable capacity, experience, and innovation in carrying out his mandate. Through his leadership, we can achieve better results. Now is the time for all of us to join hands. We are confident that you will continue to support this vision so that together, we can build a prosperous and vibrant nation—one that we can all be proud of,” he said.
With these renewed commitments and strategic policy interventions, the Federal Government is taking decisive steps to overhaul Nigeria’s road infrastructure, ensuring smoother connectivity and enhanced economic opportunities for the South-South region and the country at large.