Umahi declares emergency on Suleja-Minna road, commends Abuja-Kano road progress
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared a state of emergency on the dualization of the Suleja-Minna road, citing the failure of the contractor, Messrs Salini Nigeria Ltd, to meet delivery timelines and project specifications.
Addressing journalists during an inspection visit to Section I of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway said the termination of the Suleja-Minna road contract due to non-performance is “irrevocable.”
Umahi reaffirmed that the deplorable state of the Suleja-Minna road had attracted the attention of President Tinubu, who directed immediate remedial measures. He stated that the President was “concerned” and wanted swift intervention to restore the confidence of road users.
He said the contract with Salini Nigeria Ltd for the Suleja-Minna project had failed due to the contractor’s inefficiency, and the termination of the job remains “irrevocable.”
Meanwhile, Umahi commended the progress made by Infiouest International Limited, the contractor handling the Section I of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, under a new agreement using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement.
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He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, a PDP stalwart and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 Presidential election, Segun Sowunmi, and key directors of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Expressing delight over the pace and quality of the ongoing project, Umahi said the performance of the new contractor has vindicated the Ministry’s decision to terminate its earlier contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc due to cost differences.
“Let me say that I am very grateful to Mr. President for the support in the reconstruction of this project… Today, I can say that my integrity and that of the Ministry of Works have been redeemed by the quality of work that Infiouest is doing,” he stated.
Giving details of the work done, Umahi said: “In section I, which is 38 kilometres plus section II, which is 40 by 2, 80 kilometres, we have completed over 11 kilometres with reinforced concrete pavement… We are putting Y-20 reinforcement… and then we are completing 200-millimetre reinforced concrete grade 40.”
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, also commended the inspection visit of Segun Sowunmi, a member of the opposition. He described it as a rare show of patriotism and urged other opposition figures to emulate him.
“This is something that is new in our politics… But you took your time to join us, to see for yourself and appreciate what the government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is doing in this country,” he said.
He further praised President Tinubu for his unwavering support for infrastructure development. “Let me also commend highly our dear President, Bola Tinubu, for giving infrastructure a thriving place… the resources are there, but of course it’s matched with commitment,” he added.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi described Umahi as an exceptional Minister of Works. “It is on record that you are the only Minister of Works that has always done constant supervision of projects… President Tinubu has done marvelously well in our road infrastructure, which is fundamental for economic prosperity,” he said.
Segun Sowunmi, who was taken around the site, expressed satisfaction with the project execution. “I just want to thank you… We have our nation’s integrity to protect. We have our nation to jointly build… And we have our democracy to keep pushing,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to move away from destructive criticism and acknowledge positive strides being made. “By no means must democracy translate in a war to constantly shaming your country, never saying any good about your country, and instigating people only to hate and fight themselves,” Sowunmi emphasized.
