By Angela Atabo
Lawmakers and opposition parties have commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi,over the quality of Federal roads across the country.
They commended the minister during his inspection tour of the Mararaba-Keffi and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road projects on Thursday in Abuja.
In a show of bipartisan approval, members from opposition parties noted that, in spite of earlier reservations, recent inspections revealed that many ongoing and completed road projects met standards not seen in decades.
Dr Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised the quality of work along the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor.
He said, “I am happy because we know that when this project is completed, our country can breathe a sigh of relief for years, even decades, knowing we have good roads.
“I am convinced that the President is fortunate because, while there are engineers and builders, the minister is deeply committed to the work.
“He is tackling the infrastructure challenges head-on.”
Showunmi added that his appraisal, built on his reputation, encouraged others to recognise the quality of the works.
Dr Kanti Uthman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also commended the infrastructure improvements,.
He said, “When you see green, you have to call it green. If a ruling party is doing well, it gives us confidence.
“As an architect, I can say this work meets world standards.”
Other opposition figures, including Mr Musa Zubair of Action Alliance (AA) and Sunday Ayeni of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), praised the roads and promised to inform Nigerians about the developments.
Members of the Senate Committee on Works also lauded Umahi and pledged continued support, with one member stating,
“The President selected the best man to do the best job. Nigerians can rest assured the ninister will not disappoint.”
Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), described the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano project as a legacy initiative.
He said it demonstrated the president’s commitment to lasting solutions for Nigerian roads.
Essiet added that opposition members were brought along to witness the government’s achievements, emphasising transparency in democratic governance.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor.
He explained that the initial N73 billion contract awarded to China Harbour had a flawed design, which was subsequently modified
He noted that only about 44 kilometres could be fully executed with the initial funding.
He said that emergency repairs were assigned after public complaints, followed by an additional 20 kilometres based on performance.
The minister said Section one of the project which covered 118 kilometres cost about ₦252 billion, with half of the cost already paid.
He added that 17 kilometres around Kano were being rebuilt from the ground up, while a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension was nearing completion.
He said that Sections one and three already had eight kilometres of completed concrete pavement, with more ongoing,while section two covered 72 kilometres, mostly concrete, valued at ₦502 billion.
“Let me emphasise again and again that if we are to lay asphalt, this is about 260 kilometres, we can knock it off in nine months by our speed and vigour but this is reinforced concrete road building.
“President Bola Tinubu is building road and you can see this is the kind of thing you see in very high trafficked bridges; but we are going to lay it all through over 220 kilometres.
“So I want Nigerians to be patient with us.
“It is not how very fast we do this but this is what will last between 50 and 100 years.
“So I think that is worth it. We gave 14 months, we have done about 6 months. “(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ATAB/KOO
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa