News

‘Concrete Has Come To Stay’ – FG Issues Fresh Directives On Road Construction

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the use of concrete technology in road construction had come to stay.

He also directed the contractors working on federal roads, especially in the South-East region, to prioritize the completion of carriageways first before working on the spurs (side roads) to ensure speedy project completion.

Umahi gave the order while inspecting the ongoing construction work at the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States by MTN Nigeria Communication Plc.

Other projects inspected include: the rehabilitation of Old Enug-Onitsha Road, among others in the South-East.
These were in a statement by the Director (Information) Press & Public Relations Unit, of the Ministry, Lere-Adams Blessing, in Abuja, on Thursday.

She said the minister also ordered that the remaining portion of the roads still under construction be done using concrete pavement as he noticed that some of the road shoulders are already cracking because the quality of bitumen in use is of low quality and adulterated.

The Director quoted Umahi as saying, “I will allow the portions already laid with asphalt but the failing road shoulder should be replaced with concrete carriage.

“I know what I am saying; the quality of bitumen in this country is low and adulterated.

“We will not give up the fight till we get to the level where after construction, the road stays for 30 to 50 years before we talk of maintenance.”

Concrete tech

He maintained that the use of concrete technology in road construction is cheaper, safer and reduces the longer time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after the project completion, and that with the use of concrete pavement, no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable.

“It is safer doing it on concrete and cheaper. I believe strongly that when a project is so expensive it keeps the contractor a longer time on site because he will keep delaying to get all his payment, meanwhile there is no money to pay him so he keeps staying on site doing nothing.

The Minister subsequently directed all contractors that have left their site because of payment to quickly and immediately move back to site or he will terminate the contract.

He noted that the monies released already to the contractors from what he was told is suppose `to complete the carriageways before requesting for additional money.

He said: “I am optimistic that the money available will complete the work. Come with your bill of quantity so we review it and give you proper directive.

“Move back to site immediately to continue your work within seven days or I terminate the contract. You cannot say we are owing you and because of that you stop work.”

Umahi promised the contractors that funds would be made available as long as they played their part in ensuring project delivery in line with agreements reached.

He added that he will be meeting with the funding partners and the one being financed through appropriation, all will be given attention.

According to him, “You said there is no money to complete the project. It is my duty to chase the debt, it is yours to go back to site. I guarantee that the money will be paid.

“I will meet with the financers and we will do what we are suppose to do.”

The Minister demanded that the Director, Highways, South-East, Engr. Bede Obioha, bring up the entire project for review to see how they will put ideas together to ensure that all the outstanding projects be completed and be open for usage.

While briefing the Minister and his team, the Operations Manager, Niger Cat Construction Company Ltd. Engr. Fadi Mosaad, commended the Minister for his directives on the use of concrete pavement saying it’s going to help considering the soil texture and the terrain of the zone.

The projects visited were rehabilitation of old Enugu–Port Harcourt Road (Agbogugu–Abia Border spur to Mmaku, Rehabilitation of Oji–Achi – Mmaku – Awgu – Ndeabgor Road section 1 in Enugu State);

Construction of Ugwueme – Nenwenta – Mkwe – Ezere – Awunta – Obeagu – Mgbidi Nmaku Road in Enugu State; construction of Enugu – Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States; the rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra).

In a related development, the minister said the battle to enforce the use of concrete technology will continue because the present administration wants Nigerians to get value for money.

He made the pronouncement in a chart with reporters during his inspection tour of the rehabilitation of outstanding section of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme – Contract no 7629 on September 6, 2023.

News

NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

Published

12 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,

Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

News

Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

Published

13 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.

This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.

According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.

“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .

“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.

“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.

He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.

“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.

“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.

“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

Published

13 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”