Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway: Leaders Applaud President Tinubu's Bold Initiative  The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi;  together with major stakeholders have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government for heeding  to the cry of millions of Nigerians  to resuscitate the 48-year-old Superhighway project.   They expressed their appreciation at the stakeholders'  meeting held in Birnin-kebbi on the alignment for sections 1 & 2 of the superhighway, covering 120 KM in Sokoto and 258 KM in Kebbi, totaling 378 KM, and ending in Badagry, Lagos State. In  his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister disclosed that the superhighway will begin  from Illela in Sokoto (120 KM)  through Argungu, Bunza, and Kamba, ending at Bida town in Niger State for the first and second phases. Umahi explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would officially kick off the project in Kebbi State, benefiting the people of the state, especially in agriculture, commerce, and boosting security. He stated, "I request the people of Kebbi State and Sokoto State to support this project. Wherever there is a need to compensate the people, we will sit down with you and work it out with the local communities." The Minister noted that the route of the superhighway was the oldest Trans-Sahara trade route, initiated over 48 years ago but not implemented until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. He emphasized that the federal government would start using concrete for road construction in the Northern region to ensure longevity for up to 100 years. Umahi also highlighted that the federal government had completed many road projects in Sokoto State and promised that all road projects in Kebbi State, particularly the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, would be addressed. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for implementing the 48-year-old project, which would benefit not only Nigerians but also neighboring countries like Niger Republic, Bénin, and others. In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the project as very important. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had asked cabinet members to source funds for executing the project despite global economic challenges. Bagudu stated that the vision of the President was to address the reality on ground and secure necessary funding for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations. He said, "That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed us to go and source the funds to6 execute our projects. Nigeria is the most vibrant economy with a lot of potential capacity. This project is just the tip of the iceberg. Nigerians should expect many more of  such projects." He added that due to the courage and determination of the current administration, world leaders have acknowledged Nigeria's boldness and readiness to assist in areas of need. Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project and kicking it off in Kebbi State. Idris sought the state's input on the route passages, noting that the government wanted the project execution to be fair and just to the communities directly benefiting from it. "We need to give our inputs before the conclusion of the project so that we can do justice to our people. We are taking a lion's share of the project, and we have to be just and fair to our people since the project will have direct benefits for them," he said. The Governor also sought the Minister's intervention on the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, stressing that the people of these areas, including four LGAs, are suffering due to bad roads. Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, expressed his full support for the project and urged the Minister to address the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinade Npigi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project, noting that it had been initiated over 48 years ago. He assured that the Senate would continue to support the Presidency in executing meaningful projects for Nigerians.  Hon. Hakeem Alabi, stated that the House of Representatives would also provide legislative support to ensure appropriate budget allocation for the President's projects. Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, pledged support and cautioned against potential flooding during construction. Former Governor Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakingari commended President Tinubu for liberating a vast forest area. Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed For: Ag Director Press and Public Relations ...

Super-Highway construction: Works Minister call on Investors to leverage on its Economic Potentials The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has called on Investors and political stakeholders to leverage on the infrastructural development drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu to boost economic activities in the country.   Senator Umahi made the call at the Stakeholders engagement meeting on the alignment of Niger (125klm), Kwara (188klm) which is (313klm) out of 1000klm Super-Highway in Ilorin on 4th July 2024.   The Minister further calls on the stakeholders to stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that one of the legacy projects which include the alignment of Sokoto to Badagry Super-Highway is achieved.   In his remarks, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulahmam Abdulrasaq, who was represented by Kayode Alabi thanked Mr. President and the Minister of Works for this Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project which connects Kwara to Sokoto 1000km Super-Highway project's which will boost Nigeria's Economic prosperity.    Also speaking, the Niger State Governor, Mohamed Umaru Bago states that Nigeria needs a value chain in Agriculture and Road Infrastructure, He called on all the Stakeholders to join hands to move the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Bago said in Niger State no compensation will be paid for Road Infrastructure, because the road is for the development of the State.    ...

FG TERMINATES CONTRACTS WITH MOTHERCAT, DANTATA & SAWOE AND RCC COMPANIES FOR NON-PERFOMANCE ON THE DUALIZATION OF OBAJANA-BENIN ROAD; SECTIONS II, III AND IV, WARNS THAT GOING FORWARD, ALL FUNDED BUT NON-PERFORMING CONTRACTS SHALL BE TERMINATED The Federal Ministry of Works has terminated contract numbers 6136, 6137 and 6138 with Mothercat Ltd, Dantata & Sawoe Construction Ltd and RCC Ltd respectively. The projects affected by this termination are the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section II (Okene - Auchi) in Kogi/Edo State; the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section III (Auchi - Ehor) in Edo State and the dualization of Obajana - Benin road section IV (Ehor - Benin) in Edo State. The termination of the said contracts became necessary in view of the inordinate delay of the affected companies in job performance and their failure, neglect and or refusal to fulfil their contractual obligations as required by the Standard Conditions of Contract and this has affected the timely completion of the projects and thus resulted in the expiration of the contracts by effluxion of time. The projects which were awarded on 3rd December 2012 were advertently abandoned by the contractors and no genuine commitment or good faith was shown towards executing the projects after accepting the considerations offered by the Federal Government and thereby exposing the road users to untold hardship due to the deplorable condition of the projects. The Honourable Minister has therefore directed the engineers in charge to take necessary steps to enter upon both the site and the works and take the same over from the affected companies. He further directs the engineers concerned to, upon doing the needful, arrange with the affected companies for a joint measurement of work so far done by the said companies preparatory to taking over the sites from the said companies, and this directive is without prejudice to the exercise of other rights of Federal Government under the contract. He warns that the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch will not condone acts of unseriousness and sabotage by contractors whose plan is to become a clog in the wheel of progress of the Renewed Hope administration which is determined to change the ugly narrative of Nigeria's road infrastructure. He further warns that going forward, the government will not hesitate in terminating all projects that are funded but are non-performing.   ...