By Daniel Edu
The Minister made this declaration during a meeting with contractors from the six geopolitical zones at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. This address followed an inspection tour of the nation’s road infrastructure.
Umahi observed that, given the current state of affairs, no federal road could remain in good condition for more than seven years. He specifically called out contractors who had performed substandard work using inferior materials.
Expressing his empathy for commuters, Umahi revealed that he had personally traveled on these roads as per the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who had tasked him with providing feedback on his findings. During his travels, Umahi encountered extensive hardships and lamented the suffering of the people.
He said, “There is no project being constructed right now in Nigeria that is going to last for seven years. The question is, are we going to be maintaining or reconstructing our roads every 10 years? That is what we have been doing.”
Umahi recounted his own experience traveling from Abuja to Benin City via Lokoja, where many stretches of the road were under contract. Despite the ongoing construction, he questioned the road’s usability, emphasizing the need for improved road quality.
He added, “Unless Mr. President does something about our procurement, his lofty intention to help this country may not be achieved. Documents will be sent to the Bureau of Public Procurement for a no-objection certificate, and it will stay for six months. How will the contractors do the additional job you directed them to do without backup authorization.”
Addressing concerns about potential increases in cement prices if the government opts for concrete roads, the Minister dismissed these claims as false and part of a campaign to discredit him by industry insiders.
Umahi concluded by reiterating his commitment to following the President’s instructions and urged critics not to waste their time trying to undermine his efforts through blackmail and misinformation.
