By Jabiru Hassan
The Federal Ministry of Works has adopted a funding prioritization framework to sustain the execution of road projects earlier financed under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Tax Credit Scheme.
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing dualization of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction, Port Harcourt to Onne Junction in Rivers State. He explained that the ministry had compiled all inherited NNPCL projects and presented them to President Bola Tinubu, who directed that none of the works should be abandoned.
According to Umahi, projects considered most critical to the national economic corridor will be given priority for immediate funding. He stressed that contractors must ensure quality, speed, and strict compliance with specifications, warning that anti-graft agencies would be alerted to any violations.
The minister also criticized the practice of leaving binder courses unprotected on some projects, noting that such lapses eventually lead to road failure. He directed that certificates would henceforth be withdrawn from contractors who leave binder courses for more than two months without adding wearing courses.
Umahi further announced that contracts below ₦20 billion would no longer be awarded to expatriate firms, in line with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.
Commending Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining quality on the Eleme–Onne project despite funding challenges, he frowned at the slow pace of work, insisting that the December 15, 2025 completion deadline remains sacrosanct, with no room for variation of price or review.
He also expressed concern over heavy-duty vehicles parking on roads and causing damage, warning that punitive measures would be taken against drivers involved.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Engr. Enwereama Tarilade, reported that RCC had completed the 15km Eket-bound carriageway and had begun work on the Port Harcourt-bound section using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).
Other projects inspected by the minister included sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and Arab Contractors, as well as additional stretches of the East-West Road being handled by RCC.
