By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has assured Nigerians that all road projects being executed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed to last up to 100 years.
Umahi said road construction under the current administration is no longer “business as usual,” noting that the Federal Government has largely phased out asphalt in favour of concrete pavement, which he described as more durable and cost-effective in the long term.
The Minister made the remarks in Awka during an inspection of the Awka–Enugu Expressway project. He disclosed that the road is being constructed by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) and funded through tax credit contributions by MTN Nigeria.
“I am very impressed with the quality of work being done by RCC. About 23 kilometres of this road are being constructed with concrete. The first 20 kilometres have been completed, while only 13 kilometres remain. This concrete road will last for the next 100 years,” Umahi said.
He added that the MTN tax credit road project covers a total of 104 kilometres and that subcontractor Niger Cat is also performing satisfactorily on its section of the project.
According to him, RCC has only 23 kilometres left to complete, while Niger Cat is expected to finish its own section within two weeks.
Umahi announced a new directive mandating RCC to execute the remaining 23 kilometres of the MTN tax credit project entirely with concrete, including both inner and outer shoulders, built up with laterite to match the existing asphalt level.
“Why should we use asphalt that costs about ₦94,000 per square metre and lasts barely 15 years when we can construct concrete roads for about ₦92,000 per square metre that will last for 100 years?” he queried.
The Minister explained that continuous inspection of projects nationwide is to ensure value for taxpayers’ money, adding that the government would not allow unfinished sections to be exposed to rain.
He cited ongoing and completed concrete road projects across the country, including the East-West Road, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara routes, Sokoto corridors, and the Badagry axis.
Umahi also urged people of the South-East geopolitical zone to acknowledge and support the Tinubu administration, stressing that the region has benefited significantly from federal road projects.
“The quality of what Mr President is doing will remain a lasting legacy. I urge our people in the South-East to stand with the President and support his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He recalled that the Awka–Enugu road was previously in a deplorable condition, noting that its transformation should be openly appreciated.
“When people complained on social media, they were right. Now that the road has been done, they should return to social media and thank the President. Gratitude encourages more development,” Umahi concluded
