Works Minister, Umahi, FG vow to boost Nigeria’s transportation Ecosystem

By, Daniel Usman

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Ministry of Works has signed a contract with Infiouest International Limited for the construction of Section I of the third Renewed Hope legacy Project from a point on the Enugu/Abakaliki/Ogoja Highway (Africa Trans-Sahara route) cutting across Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa States and terminating at Apo in Abuja. 

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the awarded project consists of the reconstruction of the existing jointed, asphalt concrete and laterite surfaced road pavements from Ndibe beach, traversing through Eke Market, Abaomege, Onueke, Achiagu, Umuoghara/Onu Nwafor, Ukwuachi, Ishieke, Odomoke before terminating at Mbeke in Ebonyi State.

It was gathered that, section 1 of the third Renewed Hope Legacy Project is spanning 118.85km and it is to be constructed on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

The Minister of works, David Umahi who made this known during the ceremony marking the contract execution held at the Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters Mabushi, Abuja, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and for considerations of diverse perspective in the distribution of the dividends of democracy to the people.

He stated that the Renewed Hope Legacy Project was strategic for boosting transportation ecosystem along the economic corridors of the South East and North Central, noting that it would stimulate trade and agricultural development along the corridor and foster inter-regional cohesion, cooperation and collaboration, and create seamless movement of goods and services between the South East and Northern routes of the road.

Umahi however, assured that the four (4) Renewed Hope Legacy Projects are not just transformational projects, but are critical investments that would turn around the socio-economic fortunes of the country, stimulate economic diversification and enhance a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

He said:, “Mr. President has engaged in four critical investments, which we call for Renewed Hope Legacy Projects. Lagos – Calabar 750 kilometers sections 1 and 2, construction already going on, going on very well. 

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“This is the third legacy project, and this one is passing through the South East extending to Cross River, and then comes to Benue,  Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja. We also have a project we inherited from the past administration, which is Makurdi to the 9th mile. And this one is crisscrossing it. 

“And so this is very good for the country and this is what Mr. President is doing in every part of the country. The fourth legacy project is the 439 km Akwanga-Jos- Bauchi, Gombe road. This project was awarded before now to CGC under the funding of China Exim Bank, but nothing could happen” he stated.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Yakubu Adam Korfamata, expressed his pleasure on the approval of the President of Nigeria for the award of Section I of the project noting that it was a proof of Mr. President’s commitment to the democratic ideals and inclusive governance. 

Also, the Managing Director/CEO of the company handling the project, Mr. Joseph Abou Jaounde promised to justify the confidence reposed on them, “I know this trust in Infiouest is a load on our shoulders. We have to carry on with this goal, and we have to prove that we trust in the right place.” he stated.