In a bid to fast-track infrastructure development, the Federal Government has announced plans to complete the long-awaited Benin-Lokoja road project within the next six months. The revelation came from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a meeting with contractors responsible for the project in Abuja.
Umahi emphasized the government’s determination to expedite the completion of the Benin-Lokoja Road Project, which was initially awarded in 2012 but has faced prolonged delays. Highlighting recent developments, Umahi revealed that the government has accepted BUA’s proposal to undertake the construction of 30 kilometers of the Benin-Lokoja Road Project under the tax credit scheme, resulting in the issuance of a tax certificate to the company.
To ensure efficient progress, Umahi outlined that three additional contractors would be deployed to work on the remaining 30 kilometers of the road, bringing the total number of contractors to four, each handling a distinct section of the project.
Explaining the complexities of the project, Umahi noted the significant funding gap of N775 billion and detailed efforts to streamline costs while maintaining quality. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to expediting the project by enabling contractors to access 30 percent of the funds through an addendum agreement, amounting to N9 billion each.
However, Umahi stressed the importance of adherence to project timelines, affirming that contractors would be held accountable for meeting agreed-upon completion schedules.
In response, Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director of BUA Group, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the administration’s efforts, citing significant investments made in Edo State and highlighting the mutual benefits of the road construction project for both BUA and the local community.
Rabiu reiterated BUA’s readiness to undertake the road project under the tax credit scheme, underscoring the company’s dedication to contributing to national development initiatives.
With stakeholders aligning efforts and commitments in the drive towards infrastructure advancement, the completion of the Benin-Lokoja road project holds promise for improved connectivity and economic growth in the region.