The Federal Government has announced a new “Nigeria First” infrastructure policy, barring foreign contractors from bidding for road projects valued at less than ₦20 billion. The move is aimed at empowering local firms, strengthening the economy, and ensuring value for money in road construction.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection of the East-West Road dualisation project (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, being executed by RCC Nigeria Ltd.
Umahi also revealed that all inherited projects initially funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme would be given priority. He said President Bola Tinubu had directed that such projects must not be abandoned.
“We have compiled all the NNPCL tax credit projects and presented them to Mr. President. He has graciously directed that none should stop. However, the ministry will prioritise the most critical projects along national economic corridors for immediate funding,” Umahi stated in a release signed by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji.
The minister praised the quality of work on the Eleme–Onne section but faulted the slow pace of delivery, insisting that the December 15, 2025 deadline remains sacrosanct. He warned contractors that there would be no price variations or extensions, regardless of excuses such as the rainy season.
Umahi also issued a stern caution against poor construction practices, particularly the practice of leaving binder courses unprotected for months. He explained that the binder, without the wearing course sealant, allows water to seep into the stone base, eventually leading to road failure.
“Any contractor who leaves binder courses for more than two months will have to redo the work at their own cost. We are building roads that should last 50 to 100 years, not projects that will collapse in a few rainy seasons,” he warned.
He further decried the menace of heavy-duty trucks parked indiscriminately on federal highways, stressing that such practices damage pavements and compromise road durability. He vowed to work with state governors, the police, and other agencies to enforce stricter regulations.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Enwereama Tarilade, said the contractor had completed 15km of the Eket-bound carriageway and was now working on the Port Harcourt-bound section.
Umahi reaffirmed that the administration is determined to deliver world-class road infrastructure that will not only boost commerce and industry but also stand the test of time.
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