• Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road rehabilitation, Bodo-Bonny road construction, top list
• Minister urges Julius Berger to mobilize for timely completion amid economic challenges
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER -
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Government in a significant move to enhance Nigeria's infrastructure has approved funding for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway and the construction of the Bodo-Bonny road with bridges across the Opobo Channel. This announcement was made during a recent meeting between the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, and representatives from Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc.
A statement today by Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, stated that during the meeting held on October 3, 2024, at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja, Senator Umahi emphasized the importance of completing the 82-kilometer Section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano project, which spans the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Kano States. He urged the construction firm to expedite their efforts and complete the project within 14 months.
The Minister highlighted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a re-scoping and downward review of the contract costs for these vital projects. The revised contract sum for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano rehabilitation amounts to approximately **₦740.8 billion**, while the Bodo-Bonny road project is estimated at **₦80.1 billion**. Senator Umahi clarified that following payments made, around **₦340 billion** remains for the contractor to complete the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano project.
In a bid to address the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, the Minister called for corporate nationalism in price negotiations. He expressed concern over potential cost increases and stated, “If Julius Berger does not accept the new sum, we will terminate the contract.” The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a fixed contract price, emphasizing the urgency of concluding negotiations.
In addition, Senator Umahi instructed Julius Berger to mobilize in multiple locations for both projects to ensure timely completion. For the Bodo-Bonny project, a contract sum of **₦280 billion** has been fixed, with a 12-month completion timeline. The Minister also proposed an advance payment to assist the contractor in managing inflation and other financial variations.
The meeting concluded with the formal handover of the Letters of Award for the revised contract sums to Julius Berger, underscoring the government's commitment to swift project delivery.
The Federal Government remains focused on improving Nigeria's infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance connectivity across the country.