The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Nweze David Umahi (CON), has expressed satisfaction with the pace and standard of work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano federal highway, commending contractor Infiouest International Ltd. for delivering quality results after the project was re-awarded.
During a high-level inspection of Section I of the highway on Saturday, Umahi, accompanied by Minister of State for Works Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, and political leader Segun Sowunmi, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and commitment to infrastructure renewal.
“Today, I can say that my integrity and that of the Ministry of Works have been redeemed by the quality of work Infiouest is doing,” Umahi stated. “When we terminated the Julius Berger contract over cost concerns, it became a major challenge. But thanks to Mr. President’s support, we are now witnessing tangible transformation.”
Umahi highlighted that over 11 kilometers of the road have been completed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, describing the reconstruction method as a benchmark for durability and value for money.
The original contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was terminated by the Tinubu administration over what Umahi described as “cost differentials.” The Federal Executive Council subsequently approved the re-award of Sections I and III to Infiouest International Ltd, marking a strategic shift in approach to national road projects.
Minister of State for Works, Hon. Goronyo, praised Sowunmi, a PDP chieftain and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, for inspecting the site despite being in opposition. “It is rare to see political opponents leave their comfort zones to commend the efforts of a ruling government,” Goronyo said. “Your patriotism is inspiring.”
Sowunmi, visibly impressed after the inspection, called for national unity in discourse. “We have a nation to build, not to tear down,” he said. “It is time we start appreciating progress where it exists.”
Senator Nwebonyi echoed similar sentiments, lauding the Minister of Works for his hands-on supervision of road projects. “You have demonstrated what it means to ensure value for money. President Tinubu’s road infrastructure strides, particularly the Lagos-Calabar highway that passes through Ebonyi and Benue, are unmatched,” he said.
In a related development, Minister Umahi declared an emergency on the dualization of the Suleja-Minna Road, blaming Salini Nigeria Ltd. for failing to meet deadlines and specifications. “The failure of Salini is unacceptable. Mr. President is deeply concerned, and urgent intervention is now non-negotiable,” Umahi said, affirming that the termination of the contract with Salini is “irrevocable.”
The inspection is part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to revamp Nigeria’s decaying road infrastructure and ensure timely delivery of strategic transport corridors.
