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Tag: Umahi

  • FEC hasn’t cancelled inherited road projects – Umahi

    FEC hasn’t cancelled inherited road projects – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi ,has debunked rumours in the media claiming that the Federal Executive Council (FEC),stepped down inherited road projects.

    Umahi during a meeting with contractors in Abuja ,said that such information was misleading adding that neither President Bola Tinubu nor FEC gave that directive.

    He said that  the ministry was only  directed by the president to review all projects in the country to decide those that would be given priority based on availability of funds.

    Umahi said, “Some of these projects were awarded 18 years ago, some 10 years ago, others five years ago.

    “On the issue of new projects, if we have appropriation that has not been completed, at least, one kilometer, we are not going to carry out such appropriation.

    “That is what FEC is concerned about. We can’t have N500million on budget but procurement is supposed to be N50billion or N100billion and you go ahead to award such a project. We have been directed not to do so.”

    Umahi reiterated the determination of the Federal Government in bringing funding and budgeting innovations that would fast-track road infrastructure development nationwide.

    He said that FEC had directed the Ministry of Works to work with the Federal Ministries of Finance , Budget and National Planning to put forward proper budgetary estimates.

    This ,he said ,was for the 2025 financial year for projects that were not appropriately budgeted for but have attained probably 80 per cent completion so that such projects would be completed and delivered.

    He however, said that projects with huge procurement costs with little appropriation and with little completion milestones would be reviewed in line with section 51 of the Special Conditions of Contracts.

    “On issues of Variation on Price (VOP),all projects we awarded in 2024 will not attract any VOP.

    “We have made it as a policy that such projects can not get any variation.

    “However ,within the course of the year and the project execution, if there are issues changing the basic market prices of construction materials to a certain extent, we will revisit the issue of VOP and it will not be selective,” Umahi said.

    The minister assured contractors of the Federal Government’s willingness to engage in contract review and cost augmentation on the inherited ongoing projects.

    This is in view of the geometric rise in cost of contract elements caused by the inherited challenging economy.

    He said this would however be subject to funds availability.

    Umahi said that the decision for windows to review and augment the cost of inherited ongoing projects was borne out of the president’s magnanimity and commitment to completing all inherited projects.

    He added, “The President promised to look for ways to fund the projects, even outside the budgetary provisions, through the National Assembly.

    “What we are doing now is to review the projects in line with availability of funds and make a proposal to FEC.

    “If such a project has attained about 80 per cent completion, then we will make a proposal to FEC that in subsequent appropriation, money should be made available, and such projects should be made a priority, so that it could be completed.”

    Umahi directed that contractors working on projects with dualisation should as a matter of policy concentrate and first complete one carriageway and turn it over for public use before working on the other lane.

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: FG withholds payment of some compensations [See why]

    Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: FG withholds payment of some compensations [See why]

    The Federal Government says it is withholding payment of compensation to affected property owners from Kilometer Seven on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, due to alteration on the plan.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, said this when he inspected ongoing works on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other road projects on the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Tax Credit Route and Eleko, among other axis, on Saturday in Lagos.

    The minister said that, to resolve most of the compensation issues where a lot of critical infrastructure were affected, the government had reduced the entire corridor from Phase Two, Section Two of the coastal route, to effective pavements of 55km, including the 10 train tracks.

    He said that the government had released about N10 billion so far in compensations.

    Umahi said, “We are going to withhold compensation payment from Kilometer Seven because we have re-routed some of the sections, like the white sand beach.

    “I know the indigenes have been praying very well. I think God has answered their prayers because we have also compressed the corridor to 55 effective pavements with the 10 train tracks.

    “We reduced the 10 tracks from 55 to 20, and we are taking it back also towards the beginning of this project.”

    The minister said that after review, payment of the compensation would continue.

    “For Section Two, we are going to have brand new enumerators so that they will also give us their opinions.

    ” It is going to be very, very fast,” the minister said.

    According to Umahi, many property are going to be saved.

    He said, ” We saved all those cables and saved the whole community of Okunaja, by not only re-routing, but re-routing entirely through a swamp.

    ”I hear that some people are calling to protest that we are re-routing to the swamp, that we should go to the gazetted and then destroy the cables.

    “I wonder what kind of people we are dealing with. It is very funny.

    ”I believe that they will see reasons to be very reasonable.”

  • Minister of works, Umahi condemns vandalisation of 2nd Niger bridge

    Minister of works, Umahi condemns vandalisation of 2nd Niger bridge

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi has condemned the vandalisation of the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

    Umahi in a statement signed by Mr Orji Uchenna, his Special Adviser on  Media Tuesday in Abuja, said the act was cruel and cowardly.

    The Minister expressed deep shock that reports of the vandalisation were still being recorded  in spite of the presence of the  private security outfit deployed by the Ministry to man the area.

    “The ministry condemns in the strongest terms, this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints, as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure.

    “It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalysis Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

    “The 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over by the Renewed Hope administration on Dec. 12, 2023,  after its completion, is one of the  projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure .

    “It will  boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor,” he said.

    Umahi  appreciated the public for their zeal and concerns by raising  the desired  alarm  that trended widely on media platforms on the act.

    He  assured the public that a more formidable security  architecture was being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities.

    The Minister added that  a technical team has also  been directed  to inspect, evaluate  and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.

    He enjoined  all road users, residents and authorities within the bridge to help keep watch against persons  who vandalise or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project.

    He urged them to arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call the ministry’s hotlines –  SA Media on 08030986263..

    Other contacts included : Controller of Works FMW Anambra State on 08033389700; the Controller of Works, FMW Delta State on, 08067736638 and Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW on 08037056860.

  • People I helped to power now avoid me – Umahi

    People I helped to power now avoid me – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has said that most people he helped to power during the 2023 general elections now avoid him.

    Umahi said this in Abakaliki on Thursday while speaking with newsmen.

    The minister said that even National Assembly members who he helped to power, were among those that now avoid him, adding that he was not disturbed by their behaviour.

    “It is only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi that will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss.

    “The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.

    “The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence,” he said.

    He said that the development made him stop having political godsons but has opted for political friends.

    “I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect.

    “I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he said.

    Umahi said that usually, there was always crisis between predecessors and successors.

    “I am, however, not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.

    “There are always pathways to successes and failures and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed,” he said.

    The minister vowed to stick with Nwifuru for eight years and thanked God for giving the governor the grace to unite all leaders of the state.

    “The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business, but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.

    “I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he said.

  • Umahi speaks after allegedly walking out on journalist

    Umahi speaks after allegedly walking out on journalist

    Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has denied snubbing newsmen who honoured his ministry’s invitation for a news conference in Abuja.

    According to reports, the minister allegedly walked out on the newsmen during his turn to present this ministry’s score card after one year of President Bola Tinubu Presidency.

    However, Umahi, while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki after participating in activities marking Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s one year in office described the allegation as untrue.

    The minister said he only wanted to appreciate selected media houses for their commendable coverage of his ministry’s activities.

    “They all worked hard for us during President Bola Tinubu ‘s inauguration of projects in Lagos and I wanted to thank them profusely.

    “I wanted the appreciation to be surprising to the selected media houses but my media aide didn’t handle it properly.

    He said the event was fixed for 2.pm on May. 28 but his aide told him that those set of journalists were covering an inauguration.

    “We then shifted the event to 3.pm though my flight to Ebonyi for the governor’s inauguration of projects was also slated for the same time.

    “My aide informed me that the event was set by 3.30pm but when I got to the ministry’s hall, there was no single camera.

    “The only camera on sight was from my ministry and I became very angry with the aide,” he said.

    Umahi said he demanded that the event be shifted to Monday, June 3 because if it had been held, the surprise element would be defeated.

    “I will also be faced with a number of journalists that I couldn’t handle so my media aide did not handle it properly.

    “Reports of shunning journalists, therefore, do not exist because I cannot invite and shun them at the same time,” the minister said.

    He said that he would still offer appreciation to the group of media houses he considered special to the ministry.

  • Obi replies Presidency, Umahi on Coastal Highway Project, insists it’s not a priority

    Obi replies Presidency, Umahi on Coastal Highway Project, insists it’s not a priority

     

    …explains demolition as Governor

    The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has reacted to allegations of inciting from the Federal Government over his position that the trillions of Naira Coastal Highway Project is not a priority in today’s Nigeria.

    Obi who insisted that his position on it remains said that allegations of his inciting the people are divisive actions to distract from the main issue he raised that such a project now will lead to loss of jobs and will increase hunger and spread poverty in a troubled land already.
    He also said that priority should be put on internal roads first to move the economy.

    The former Anambra State Governor also took time to react to the demolition which took place during his tenure and said the circumstances were different and wondered why they were not addressing the issue of poverty that is spreading like wildfire.

    Below are Obi’s responses to the FG’s attack on him.

    “It has come to my attention, and I strongly denounce the distortion of facts surrounding my actions and statements during my tenure as governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning the ongoing demolitions for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal super highway. I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all.

    “Let me be unequivocal: during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed. The circulated video clearly stated this, and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth. I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as governor.

    “To provide further clarity, consider concrete examples. I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated, and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium. This action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people. Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honoring our heroes.

    “Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office. Recognizing the importance of recreational spaces, I reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office. I then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe.

    “My actions were strategic, aiming to prioritize the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction. This approach aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensure the efficient use of resources.

    “It’s crucial to clarify the false comparisons drawn between my actions on Brewery Road and the current coastal super highway project. I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures. Instead, I focused on removing obstructions on existing roads to enhance accessibility and safety for all.

    “The ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrasts with my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimizing adverse impacts on communities.

    “Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character. My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Claims of incitement are baseless distractions. I advocate for unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary politics. My commitment to serving with integrity remains steadfast, and I encourage all Nigerians to unite for a prosperous future.

    “In conclusion, I stand by my record as governor and reject any attempts to distort the narrative for political gain. My commitment remains unwavering: to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, ensuring that development initiatives prioritize the needs of the people. -PO

    S

  • I am happy my successor still honours me – Umahi

    I am happy my successor still honours me – Umahi

    Immediate past Ebonyi governor, Sen. David Umahi, says he is happy that his successor, Gov. Francis Nwifuru ,still honours him after leaving office.

    Umahi  said this while speaking with newsmen after being conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Ebonyi State University on Saturday in Abakaliki.

    Umahi,Minister of Works,  said it was  not common to hand over to a successor and still be continually honoured by  him.

    ” That is the handwork of God and I am grateful to him and the governor.

    “Governors and their predecessors are fighting in many states ,but in Ebonyi ,we are always celebrating.

    “This is the mercy of God and the wisdom bestowed on the governor,” he said.

    The minister commended Nwifuru for sowing the seed of peace in the state and assured that such would be sustained.

    “You can see that the state is on steady rise and what I could not finish as David he is doing as Solomon.

    “He is my son in whom I am well pleased, he said.

    Umahi thanked the university  for honouring him and others, and pledged to continue contributing to its development.

    ” I commend the Vice -Chancellor and management for the amazing feats recorded by the institution ; we all are proud to have a university with such records.

    “The job is easy when you are not the one doing it, and I thank the state governor for his great works in the university.

    “I will consult with my fellow awardees and we would definitely offer huge support to the university,” he said.

  • Lagos-Calabar Highway: Umahi projects N1.67 trn as RoI in 15 years

    Lagos-Calabar Highway: Umahi projects N1.67 trn as RoI in 15 years

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has projected a Return on Investment (ROI) of  around N1.67 trillion in 15 years on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

    The 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River.

    Umahi gave the estimate while addressing newsmen and Stakeholders  during a meeting on Lagos-Coastal Highway projects, at the Eko Hotel, on Thursday in Lagos.

    The minister gave the total estimates based on the classification of vehicles  to be tolled when the project is completed.

    ”I ran the figures this morning. That is if the 47.47km Phase I is completed and I toll on the two sections, I give an average of 50,000 vehicles, the big vehicles will be charged about N6,000, the small ones will pay between N1,000 and  N1,500.

    “Lets make it that an average of N3, 000 would be charged, In fact, when I rounded the figures, I will have about 1.67trillion in 15 years. So, the ROI will be huge,” he said.

    The minister said that the total cost of the coastal road project could not be fixed, saying if inflation hits,  the project would have to be reviewed.

    “Some people say we paid 1.067 trillion, the answer is No. We paid money according to the procurement act and according to the policy of the Federal Ministry of Works

    Umahi noted that the project would boost economic activity, improve transportation, and create a more enjoyable travel experience.

    He said, “along the corridor, tourism will be developed, there will be increased economic activity with estates, factories, etc., transportation network will improve, and train stations will increase activity and there will be faster water transportation.’’

    Umahi said that the project, which aims to make road travel more attractive than air travel, would have amenities along the corridors such as solar lighting, toll stations, filling stations, hotels, and CCTV cameras for improved security and faster response times to incidents.

    The minister, who acknowledged that the coastal road’s importance was a national asset with the potential to attract foreign investments, noted that it required acquiring land which might be problematic for some property owners.

    He used the proverb “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” to acknowledge the potential hardship caused by land acquisition.

    He said that the government prefers a negotiated settlement with property owners instead of relying solely on legal processes.

    The minister acknowledged the government’s ultimate authority over land ownership.

    He however, appealed to property owners for their cooperation and avoid confrontational approach.

    NAN reports that the stakeholders at the meeting- the royal fathers, politicians, land owners and estate developers, described the projects as laudable, raised issues about having a reasonable amount as compensation and pleaded that it be timely, among others.

  • 2nd Niger Bridge: FG saves N300bn from new design

    2nd Niger Bridge: FG saves N300bn from new design

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the new design of the Ontisha axis of the second Niger bridge has saved the nation up to N300 billion.

    Umahi disclosed this in Asaba, Delta when he led the management of the ministry on inspection tour of the  bypass to the bridge down to Onitsha.

    A statement on the tour issued by Mr Orji Orji, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    According to Orji, the minister said: “We saw that the design was defective and we agreed on a new kind of design.

    “That was how we saved the country over N300 billion by that singular movement to that location.

    Orjis said other projects sites visited by the minister included the upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West road section III, Port Harcourt – Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers, being handled  by RCC.

    He said the minister also inspected the Enugu- Port Harcourt expressway section 3 under rehabilitation, the Enugu- Lokpanta being handled by CGC and the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge, near in Enugu state.

    He said the minister expressed satisfaction with the jobs being done and charged contractors to step up their pace to cover a milestone ahead of the rainy season.

    Orji said the minister disclosed that the federal government was upgrading the 15km road between Eleme flyover and Onne junction and starting with excavation to fill all the failed sections to make them stable.

    According to him, the minister expressed the federal government’s commitment to building enduring road infrastructure at lowest possible cost.

    He urged the contractors to always consider the sufferings of the road users as they set up their work plans.

    Umahi also urged them to ensure that the roads under construction were made passable  for commuters during  the rainy season.

  • Cement price hike: Umahi, Tambuwal inspect BUA’s 5th plant in Sokoto

    Cement price hike: Umahi, Tambuwal inspect BUA’s 5th plant in Sokoto

    Sen. David Umahi, Minister of Works, and Sen. Aminu Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, on Thursday inspected the newly constructed BUA Cement’s fifth plant in Sokoto State.

    Umahi, who was in Sokoto to inspect the reconstruction of a 372 km dual road from Sokoto to Zaria in Kaduna State, urged BUA cement’s management to reduce the prices of cement in the market.

    He emphasised the government’s commitment to stabilizing the Naira’s value and assured the public that efforts were underway to address the rising costs of commodities.

    The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu was deeply concerned with the escalating prices of commodities including cement.

    He revealed that the president had directed cement companies to revert to the previous prices during a meeting with the manufacturers.

    “I encourage them to comply with the President’s directive, facilitating a massive housing programme and the national agenda for concrete roads,” he stated.

    Regarding the fifth plant, Umahi commended the company’s commitment and expressed confidence in the product’s quality, aligning with the government’s objectives.

    In his remarks, Tambuwal emphasised the importance of cement production in the housing sector, praising the collaboration between the government and BUA cement.

    “I believe this partnership will greatly support the Federal Government’s initiative to provide affordable housing, addressing the significant housing gap in the country,” he said.

    Tambuwal congratulated BUA for its steadfastness, saying that it will contribute significantly to the government’s initiative.

    The Managing Director of BUA, Mr. Yusuf Binji, assured that the fifth plant would significantly increase the daily cement production, contributing to lower market prices.

    “The new plant will add 165 trucks to our daily production capacity, further driving down the product’s price in the market,” Binji affirmed.