In 2024, the Federal Government is targeting to complete 150 Kilomtres of roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said.
By implication, a total of 5,550 Kilomtres of roads are expected to be completed across the country this year. Also, the target excludes the palliative work and other special projects embarked upon by the federal government.
Addressing the contractors at the Ministry of Works in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi also disclosed that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has approved 80 percent of palliative work on the federal roads.
He said: “Can we have about 150km of road completed in 2024 in each state? What does that mean? If we have five contractors working together in the same state then 150km divided by 5 is 30km. So, it’s achievable. Nigerians will want to see if we can complete 150km in each of the 36 states and the FCT and you will see the total number of roads completed and that will be a good way to start.
“We are not talking about the palliative. And if it’s a dual road it’s just 75 km, so let’s just start and I’m sure that we’ll get there.”
He said the ministry would no longer allow contractors to close sites for one month to observe any festivities.
“Some of you closed the site on December 15 and reopened on January 15. We’ll no longer allow contractors to close sites for a whole month in 2024’’, Umahi warned.
Speaking on plans to clear the N1.5 trn project debts, he said the federal government has set up a verification committee to verify contractors’ certificates and recommend payments.
“I want to assure you that every verification made will be paid, we are going to have an automated payment system. You are requested to come up with proof of how these debts are incurred”, he said.
The minister, however, said that only registered and certified COREN members are allowed to be on sites, saying that the federal government has divided the road projects into 12 zones.
The Minister also revealed that the President has directed a review of FERMA to make it effective.
He charged controllers to clear highways, adding that the federal government is working to introduce solar lights and others to make highways safe and reintroduce night travel.
He explained that Asphalt material was not banned but that the government is only trying to cut down on its geometric pricing.
