The Works Minister says the government has acted within existing contractual obligations while responding to challenges affecting major concessioned road projects.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk: Reporting From Abuja, Nigeria
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s approach to road projects covered by existing concession arrangements, maintaining that his ministry has carried out the responsibilities expected of it.
Umahi made the position while speaking during an inspection of the Federal Government’s Trans-Sahara Highway project at Ndiagu Ishieke, along the Benue-Ebonyi border. His comments came amid renewed public discussion over the condition and management of roads being developed under concession agreements.
The minister said the government must take account of the contractual and legal obligations attached to existing agreements while also responding to the concerns of motorists and communities affected by infrastructure projects.
His remarks come days after the Federal Government ordered a review of concession arrangements covering major roads following the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway. The government has also moved to examine how concession agreements are awarded and whether concessionaires have the technical capacity required to deliver the projects.
Umahi urged members of the public and media practitioners to carry out proper investigations before reaching conclusions on complex engineering, contractual and legal matters surrounding major infrastructure projects. He argued that such issues require an understanding of the technical and regulatory circumstances involved.
The minister also assured communities and other stakeholders connected to the Trans-Sahara Highway project that the Federal Government remains focused on delivering the strategic route while limiting the effects of construction activities on host communities.
The wider debate over road concessions has placed greater attention on the responsibilities of government agencies and private concessionaires. Questions around project delivery, road conditions, contractual obligations and the technical capacity of companies involved have become increasingly important as the government reviews existing arrangements.
The Federal Government’s approach is expected to continue combining contractual considerations with emergency interventions where road conditions create serious difficulties for motorists and residents. Umahi’s latest comments indicate that the Ministry of Works intends to defend its handling of such projects while pursuing measures aimed at improving infrastructure delivery across the country.
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