The Federal Government has saved about N1.2 trillion by reducing expenses on three major road construction projects across Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofamata, announced this achievement at the commissioning of the reconstructed Apapa-Oworoshoki-Ojota Expressway in Lagos.

Kofamata highlighted that this significant savings was achieved under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. He specified that over N640 billion was saved on the Abuja-Kano expressway, N300 billion from the Second Niger Bridge, and N250 billion from the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“Mr. President has directed that the Abuja-Kano road must be completed within the next year and the Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi road is almost complete within this administration’s first year,” Kofamata added.

At the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the importance of Lagos as a major economic hub. “Lagos is the seat of major empowerment and the only city in West Africa where any tribe can find employment opportunities. Lagos welcomes all of us and must not be neglected,” he stated.

He thanked Aliko Dangote and Hitech for their role in constructing the Apapa-Oworoshoki-Ojota Expressway.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, noted that the construction of the Apapa-Oworoshoki-Ojota Expressway began in December 2018. He advocated for the adoption of concrete roads in Nigeria. “This project marks a significant step in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure. The Apapa-Oworoshoki road is crucial as it connects various markets, the Nigerian port, and other key economic sectors,” he said.

Dangote highlighted the previous poor condition of the road and its negative impact on logistics and businesses. “We lost over N60 billion to demurrage in 18 months because of the bad state of the road,” he pointed out. He explained that the project exemplifies the positive impact of public and private sector collaboration.

Kofamata also mentioned the benefits of using concrete for road construction, stating that it uses 100% local materials and is easier to build and maintain. He stressed the importance of the Road Tax Credit scheme when properly deployed.

In his address, Dave Umahi praised the management team of CCECC for their work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, expressed gratitude to the federal government and the Dangote Group for the new road, acknowledging its importance to commerce and business in Lagos and neighboring states.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ben Kalu, Minister of Blue Economy and Maritime, Gboyega Oyetola, and governors from Kwara, Ondo, and Imo states.