By Nurat Uthman
To encourage the participation of local contractors in handling road projects in the country, the Federal Ministry of Works has pledged to give them a level playing field.
However, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that the local contractors must adhere to the best standards and practices to be considered for such contracts.
He said this on Thursday when a delegation of the Association of Ministry of Works’ Contractors visited him in Abuja to commend him on the new payment arrangement for contractors handling federal projects.
Umahi, in a statement made available by his special adviser on media, Orji Uchenna, harped on the need for all contractors to strictly adhere to procurement and job specifications, greater speed and best standards, considering the importance of road infrastructure to the economy of every nation.
Umahi added that it had become necessary for “contractors to prepare to cut down costs in line with the economic realities of the country, having in mind the need for all to contribute towards alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians.”
He further expressed hope that with President Bola Tinubu’s timely intervention in road infrastructure development and the timely release of funds to contractors, the contractors would deliver on jobs given to them.
The statement read, “We have to take back the country, to rescue our people from suffering because of terrible roads. Road is everything. If we have good roads, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity will reduce, and commerce will increase. Transportation costs will also become cheaper, and there will be more social activities.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the association, Abdul-Kareen Smith, expressed their support for the current administration.
Smith thanked Umahi for introducing concrete technology for Nigerian roads, which he described as a game changer for the nation’s economic regeneration