FG set to embark on construction of 28 bridges in Nigeria

Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The Minister of works, Senator David Umahi on Friday said that the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the ministry of works has finalized discussion with Northland investors to attract a grant

of 25 million Euros for the construction of 28 priority bridges in Nigeria.

Umahi made this known, through in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the minister on Media, Uchenna Orji, shortly after in a meeting with the team of investors from Netherland led by the Nigerian Ambassador to  Netherland, Oluremi Oliyide, which took place at the minister’s office, Mabuchi Abuja.

The statement reads in part: “In keeping  with the  initiative to think outside the box in rejiging  the nation’s economy by  the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen.Nweze David Umahi has finalized  discussions with investors  from Netherland to attract a grant of  25 million Euros for the construction of 28 priority bridges in Nigeria.

“The Minister assured  the team of the positive disposition of the Federal Government towards accessing international interventions from donor agencies and other development  partners to address  the  infrastructural  deficits inhibiting economic  development  in Nigeria.

He said that an increase in partnerships and collaborations was necessary to support the funding  of the  critical  sector of the economy for the promotion of robust  and equitable  economic growth. 

Umahi assured the  investors that once due diligence  was carried out, he would present  the proposal  to Mr. President  for  approval: ” We have a number of projects that we can do together. But I think the best thing to do is to conclude this one, which is a grant, then get the process  started, and at the point of agreement and project selection, we shall refer to  Mr.  President for  his approval” he stated

On his part, the Nigerian Ambassador  to Netherland said the team was in his office to discuss  the offer of a grant of 25 million Euros by Janson Bridging  International for investment in road infrastructure in Nigeria. 

According  to him, “Janson Bridging is the largest modular bridge  manufacturing and bridging company in  continental Europe and the largest bridge  rental company in the world. ” He promised  to assist in fast racking  the agreement implementation  process on the side of the company as soon as all formalisations were concluded.

Also, a member of the team and International  Business Consultant, Eric Okunde, said the investors were ready  with the proposal and that they  were technically  prepared  to work  with the Federal Ministry of Works in the mapping  and designing of the projects as well as the formulation of the template for the execution of the project.