The Minister of Works, David Umahi has promised not to neglect deplorable roads causing hardship for commuters across the country.
He stated this during an inspection of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass in Edo state, on Thursday.
Umahi decried the hardship faced daily by commuters, noting that the situation reflects years of neglect that can no longer be ignored.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention and commitment to reversing decades of infrastructural decay, even as they underscored the urgency of delivering immediate and lasting solutions
The minister said no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads nationwide without encountering major challenges.
He noted that Tinubu inherited an extensive backlog of failed road and bridge projects from past administrations, but stressed that the President has demonstrated courage, commitment and determination to reverse the situation.
“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,” Umahi stated.
He dismissed criticisms from some quarters, insisting that the President remains focused on delivering durable roads.
Umahi praised Governor Okpbholo for promptly 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.
