Nigeria’s federal government has approved over ₦820 billion for the rehabilitation of the critical Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway and the completion of the Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers State.
In a statement on Sunday, Uchenna Orji, spokesman for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has been tasked with expediting the completion of these projects.
The announcement came after a meeting between Umahi and Julius Berger representatives, where the minister emphasized the need for corporate nationalism in price negotiations amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Umahi highlighted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the re-scoping and downward review of the contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, as well as the augmentation of the contract for the Bodo-Bonny road, with the total sums of ₦740 billion and ₦80 billion, respectively.
Julius Berger was urged to mobilize across multiple sections to ensure project completion within 14 months, with Umahi warning against further price increases, emphasizing that the current contract sum is final. He added that any refusal to accept these terms would lead to contract termination.
The Bodo-Bonny road project, meanwhile, is set for a 12-month completion period, with Julius Berger expected to mobilize at least three locations to ensure timely delivery.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Works has commenced emergency repairs on failed portions of the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, with the contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, tasked with completing the work within the approved ₦366 million budget.
The project supervisors have committed to ensuring timely completion despite challenges posed by heavy traffic along the route.
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