By Emmanuel Ogbodo
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has disclosed that adopting concrete for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project will save Nigeria over ₦640 billion.
Addressing the Ad Hoc Committee on Road Construction, chaired by Hon. Aminu Jaji, Umahi criticized the former contractor, Julius Berger, for inefficiency and inflated costs.
Umahi revealed that the project, stalled for seven years, was terminated after Julius Berger failed to meet key conditions, including completing the project within 14 months.
The company had demanded ₦1.5 trillion under its terms, which the ministry rejected in favor of concrete pavements for durability and cost-efficiency.
The minister accused Julius Berger of unethical practices, including refusing to address potholes and unsafe sections, exacerbating road insecurity and kidnappings.
He defended the termination as lawful and announced plans to re-award the contract through open bidding.
Julius Berger would be eligible to reapply.
The revised project includes features like solar lighting and CCTV cameras to enhance safety.
Umahi described the decision as a shift towards durable infrastructure, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of critical national projects.
