By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, Governor of Taraba state Agbu Kefas, founder of Dangote Group, Aliko and Tony Elumelu, founder of Heirs Holdings have begun discussion on alternative ways of funding road projects in the country.
During a meeting with captains of industries in Abuja, Umahi canvassed for Private Public Partnership (PPP) to drive the road infrastructure initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser (Media) to the minister, Barr. Orji Orji, said Umahi’s frequent engagement with
concessionaires and other private organisations was boost road infrastructure development.
It explained that with involvement of the private sector in road projects, the process will be more faster.
The AUTHORITY reports that minister of works had in some weeks ago, constituted three committees to work on the contracts executed by some concessionaires with the ministry to review scope and cost implications of the projects they undertook to carry out under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).
According to the statement, “It would be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Works in his zeal to change the ugly narrative of road infrastructure in Nigeria had set up three committees to work on the contracts executed by some concessionaires with the Federal Ministry of Works with a view to reviewing the scope and cost implications of the projects they undertook to execute under the Highway Development and Management Initiative( HDMI).
“This private sector initiative will fast track road infrastructure revolution and bring order, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations,management, and maintenance of Federal Highways”
The Governor of Taraba, Agbu Kefas with the captains of industries, said private partnership with involvement of other bodies will help in driving the process in line with the agenda of Tinubu’s led administration.
The statement read, “It is hoped that investors, local and international, and other organized bodies would take advantage of the will power of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration and the private sector experience and professional capacities of the Hon. Minister of Works to invest in the over 35,000 Km of the national road network being managed by Federal Government of Nigeria.
“This road network carries more than 70% of the vehicular traffic, making it a critical infrastructure for the movement of goods and services across the nation. This initiative will trigger economic development, job creation, local content development and wealth creation for Nigerian population. Mr President mean business with his efforts to prosper our country and make it the pride of the African continent. Your support is critical”
