Follow Us on Google
By Chukwuma Umeorah and Ifeoma Nwajei
The Federal Government has directed that contracts valued below N20 billion will no longer be awarded to expatriate firms but reserved exclusively for indigenous contractors.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the underdeck infrastructure of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos yesterday where he said the move forms part of the Ministry’s “Nigeria First” policy to strengthen local participation in infrastructure delivery. “The policy does not limit indigenous contractors to jobs below N20 billion. They are also to compete with expatriates for projects above N20 billion. But expatriate firms will no longer undertake contracts below that threshold.”
He added that the Ministry would ensure contracts were allocated to contractors based on their technical capacity and expertise, stressing that the government would no longer condone practices that compromise the durability of national assets.
Other News
He also warned contractors against the improper application of road construction methods, citing the widespread practice of leaving binder courses uncovered with wearing courses for prolonged periods. “The moment you allow it to stay without covering it with wearing cost for two months, then that road has failed,” he said, noting that defaulting firms risk negative certification and possible referral to anti-graft agencies.
The Minister explained that the policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to continue all inherited projects without disruption, particularly those along critical national economic corridors. “The President has graciously directed that none of such work should stop. We are going to prioritise the most critical projects and push them forward for immediate funding,” he said.
Umahi further decried the destructive impact of indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles on federal roads and bridges, warning that such static loading accelerates structural damage. “Our roads are not designed to carry these heavy trailers. They are destroying pavements and undermining the President’s efforts to build roads that should last 50 to 100 years,” he said.
While acknowledging progress by Hitech Construction Company and Julius Berger in the ongoing rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges, the Minister urged stronger collaboration with consultants and engineers to ensure timely and durable project delivery.
