Minister of Works David Umahi said that President Bola Tinubu has ordered continuation of all road projects previously funded by the NNPCL tax credit.
Umahi, who acknowledged funding challenges following the suspension of the NNPC tax credit funding, said President Tinubu remained focused on delivering durable roads despite criticism from some quarters.
The NNPCL, in 2021, launched the first phase of funding road projects with N621.24bn for the reconstruction of 21 roads across the six geopolitical zones.
Roads affected were the Ilorin–Jebba–Mokwa/Bokani Junction Road (Sections I & II) in Kwara and Niger States, the Suleja–Minna Road, and emergency repairs along Mokwa–Makera–Tegina toward the Kaduna state border.
Checks showed that in 2023, the NNPCL got approval to invest N1.9 trillion in the reconstruction of 44 federal roads including the East-West Road, the Port Harcourt–Onne Junction upgrade, the Eket bypass, and the construction of the Nembe–Brass Road in Bayelsa State.
Umahi, who was accompanied by Governor Monday Okpebholo, spoke in Benin City during an inspection of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass.
Umahi announced that President Tinubu has approved that the 100-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway pass through Edo State.
Edo was not originally included in the highway’s alignment.
Other States benefitting from the project include Lagos (100km), Ogun and Ondo (82km), Akwa Ibom (65km), and Cross River (27km).
Umahi said: “Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo. This is a special gift to the people of Edo.
“But the President, impressed by your governor’s commitment to infrastructure, insisted that the state must benefit. It’s a reward for loyalty, leadership, and performance.”
He said Tinubu’s road projects were designed with reinforced concrete technology to last between 50 and 100 years
He said the appalling condition of federal roads in Edo State was tragic and unacceptable.
He commended President Tinubu for his swift intervention and commitment to reversing decades of infrastructural decay, saying no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads nationwide without encountering major challenges.
“President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties. But the President is showing resolve, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts.”
The Minister commended Governor Okpebholo for intervening in critical failed portions of the Benin–Warri highway after the termination of a contract earlier awarded to Levante Construction Company under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.
He explained that Levante executed only four kilometres of reinforced concrete pavement in stable sections of the road, neglecting the worst segments despite repeated warnings.
Umahi further appealed to Governor Okpebholo to extend his intervention to an additional nine kilometres, praising his willingness to collaborate.
“The contract was terminated after months of delay and poor work. We appealed to Governor Okpbholo to take over the first 23 kilometres, which he promptly awarded to CBC. The quality of their work is commendable.”
