By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) have agreed to collaborate in the area of road construction and management in the interest of the development of the road sector in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director Information Olushola Abiola .
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, stated this recently when the Executives of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering led by the President, Engr. (Prof.) Azikiwe Onwualu paid him a courtesy visit today in his office in Abuja.
The Honourable Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, welcomed the collaboration with the Academy of Engineering stating “We have the same goal that will foster a strong collaboration and that is to have a better Nigeria. We would like to create a virile nation for the upcoming younger generation that is far better than we have met it. So we need this collaboration.´
While thanking the delegation for their commendation, Sen. Umahi said the performance of the Ministry is informed by the charge of President Tinubu to the effect that Nigerians must get value for money by ensuring that good and quality roads be constructed across the country.
“Mr. President, after the swearing-in of newly appointed ministers, charged the Honourable Minister of Works to ensure that not only Trunk A roads, but all federal roads are motorable and safe”, he further stated.
On the malpractices by some Engineers in the construction industry, the Honourable Minister disclosed that ‘ coming on board, we discovered that there were a lot of malpractices,’ explaining that “ one discovers that a road which is constructed in other parts of the world, which will last 30 or 40 years, is not so in Nigeria.In Nigeria, it lasts at least 2 or 3 years.
He observed that though the engineering methods are not different, yet the results are not the same. This is as a result of some malpractices carried out by the contractors.
The Minister however pledged to continue to deliver on President Tinubu’s mandate by ensuring that all roads are constructed to specifications. “This will ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government is not only sustained, it would be seen to be working for Nigerians who deserve to reap the benefits of democracy.
