President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a total of 260 roads for emergency repairs across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The road interventions which are worth the sum of N217b are to begin fully from the onset of the dry season precisely November 2023.
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi made these known on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with the President on road infrastructure in the country.
The Minister said that President Tinubu approved the Shendam Lafia Bridge that collapsed recently. He also said that approval was given for repairs of the 17 points along the East-west road that had been destroyed by floods between the years 2022-2023.
Senator Umahi said that “the President did not only approve the roads for repairs but has also released funds to begin the work.”
Also approved for repairs are two bridges that collapsed in Enugu State along with two other locations on Onitsha /Owerri road.
“I commend President Tinubu for his deep interest in reinstating most of our roads in the country every day we get a lot of concerns on the deplorable state of our roads. Just yesterday he approved over 260 road interventions all over the states, the 36 states, and the FCT
“The resurfacing of the third mainland bridge and some noticeable deflections which have to be done under the deck have also been approved,” Senator Umahi said.
The Minister further stated that President Tinubu also approved the reconstruction of the Lokoja/Abuja Road.
He said; “I can name them apart from the 260 emergency repairs that are worth about N217b.”
Senator Umahi also said that the upgrading of the Abuja/keffi/Akwanga/lafia road has received the attention of the Nigerian President with approval to deploy Nigeria’s 15 percent payment.
He said; “The road is an ongoing project and it is under PPP with the Chinese construction company, Nigeria government is paying 15 percent. Also included is the construction of Lafia by pass dualisation from Makurdi through Otukpo through Obulafor down mile, Mr President has approved these roads and they are been financed by China EXIM bank.
“And the construction of 7th axile road,lekki deep sea port access in Lagos, the side will be a huge free trade zone and so the President has approved that we should sign the MOU and it is approved that it should be a priority in our Business with the Chinese.”
Senator Umahi said that the President also approved the reconstitution of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA Board.
He noted that this approval would in turn provide prompt maintenance of the approved roads across the country.
“The President also approved the reconstitution of the FERMA Board and it is good for us for work to get more busy in terms of prompt maintenance of the road,” the Minister said.
Senator Umahi further stated that the Ministry is presently in the process of designing stage while also considering the procurement as well as selection of contractors to conclude the procedures.
“Work is to start fully from the onset of the dry season from November, “he added.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
