The Federal Ministry of Works has introduced a series of new policies aimed at revolutionizing road construction in Nigeria.
Unveiled by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, these guidelines are focused on addressing delays and enhancing the durability of federal roads.
According to a policy document released by Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, the new measures include the adoption of rigid pavements, reducing contractor claims for price variations, eliminating the Consumer Price Index from contracts, and implementing uniform pricing across different zones.
Additional strategies involve heightened supervision of ongoing projects, the introduction of whistleblower mechanisms to report substandard work, prioritizing projects within key economic corridors, and ensuring that one carriageway is completed before starting the second in dualized projects.
Furthermore, the Ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Steel Development to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company, established the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, and launched the second phase of the Highway Development Management Initiative.
These initiatives are part of the Renewed Hope Road Infrastructure Revolution Agenda, which aims to enhance road quality, ensure value for money, and foster economic growth under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Ministry has called on stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new policies and the strategic actions that are transforming the road sector.
The document outlines key aspects of the new policies:
– Rigid Pavements: Introduction of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, particularly in areas with high water levels and poor soil structure.
– Price Variation Reduction: Decreasing contractor claims for price variations, saving government funds and reducing requests for contract augmentation.
– Consumer Price Index Removal: Eliminating CPI from contracts to ensure government funds are effectively utilized.
– Uniform Pricing: Standardizing project procurement rates across zones.
– Enhanced Supervision: Requiring field staff to be on-site for all ongoing projects.
– Whistleblower Mechanism: Encouraging communities and road users to report substandard work.
– Priority on Economic Corridors: Focusing on projects that will stimulate economic growth.
– Sequential Dualization: Completing one carriageway before starting the second in dualized projects.
Additional policies include revitalizing the Light Section Mill of Ajaokuta Steel Company for producing iron rods, revising critical project designs, and improving funding through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
The Ministry has also initiated better communication through WhatsApp groups for top management, required state commissioners to validate works before payment, and engaged FERMA for emergency repairs within its financial limits.
These comprehensive measures are intended to enhance the quality and efficiency of road construction across Nigeria, contributing to broader economic development.
