Minister knocks contractor over poor handling of Abuja-Minna road
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has criticized Salini Nigeria Limited, the company handling the Abuja-Minna federal road, for the poor state of the road and lack of visible progress.
Speaking in Minna on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting, Umahi expressed shock at the road’s condition, stating, “What I saw on that road was very disturbing. It was said to have been completed 84.5 percent, and even paid for. I was forced to stop and ask, ‘Where do we start counting this 84.5 percent?’ and they could not tell us. So, nothing was done.”
Umahi’s remarks come as Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, requested that the contract with Salini be canceled due to the company’s poor performance.
Bago described Salini as a “failed construction firm” and called for the contract to be re-awarded to Hitech or CCECC, which have shown strong results on other road projects. “We need reliable contractors to ensure these projects are completed on time,” he added, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s infrastructure goals.
During the event at Legbo Kutigi Conference Hall, Umahi also highlighted the new 125-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, which is expected to benefit Niger State. “This project will bring transformative economic benefits,” Umahi said, noting that it includes features like dams, factories, and irrigation systems. He urged residents to be patient, adding, “This is about long-term benefits and Mr. President’s strategic vision for Nigeria.”
The Minister further explained that Nigeria is dealing with over 2,600 inherited infrastructure projects valued at over N19 trillion.
Despite the massive cost, Umahi assured the public that President Tinubu is committed to completing these projects, including those within the 2024 budget.
