In a groundbreaking move, Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, has unveiled plans to transform the ongoing Akure-Ado-Ekiti Expressway by replacing asphalt with concrete. This bold decision promises to redefine the country’s road infrastructure.
Former Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, initiated the construction of this vital highway in May 2023, just before the end of the previous administration. Now, Umahi is taking it to the next level.
Umahi’s vision extends beyond just this one project. He envisions a Nigeria with more concrete pavements, citing their significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional bitumen roads. During a recent visit to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Umahi highlighted the benefits of concrete roads.
Concrete roads have been rigorously tested in several states and have demonstrated a remarkable lifespan of up to 50 years, dwarfing the 15-year lifespan of asphalt roads. This paradigm shift means that any road construction project less than 20% completed will be redesigned to utilize concrete pavement.
The advantages don’t end there. Umahi emphasized that this transition would reduce the pressure on Nigeria’s economy caused by bitumen imports. By prioritizing locally sourced materials like cement, the country can bolster its self-sufficiency and stimulate the domestic economy.
The high cost of imported petroleum products and the volatile nature of the industry only add to the urgency of embracing concrete roads.
Umahi’s innovative approach doesn’t stop at Akure-Ado-Ekiti Expressway. He’s spearheading a concrete revolution that addresses the evolving dynamics of road construction, where material prices fluctuate unpredictably. Even the durability of traditional bitumen has diminished over the years, a stark contrast to the higher quality bitumen used in the past.
In response, Umahi is ushering in a new era of infrastructure development with concrete technology. This shift is set to redefine the longevity and cost-effectiveness of Nigeria’s road networks.
Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised Minister Umahi’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s roadways. He highlighted the urgent need for dualizing the Ore-Ondo-Akure road and rehabilitating the Ore-Okitipupa area, emphasizing that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s interventions have played a pivotal role in maintaining the current state of federal roads in Ondo State.
With Umahi’s concrete vision and unwavering commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s road infrastructure, a brighter future lies ahead for the country’s transportation network. It’s a bold step towards safer, more durable, and economically sustainable roads.