The Federal Ministry of Works has unveiled a series of new policy guidelines aimed at overhauling road construction in Nigeria.
These policies, introduced by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, are intended to address the slow pace of work and enhance the durability of federal roads.
According to a policy document shared with journalists by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, the key reforms include the adoption of rigid pavements, reducing contractors’ claims for price variations, removing the consumer price index from contracts, and implementing uniform pricing across different zones.
Additional measures introduced by the Ministry include stricter supervision of ongoing projects, the introduction of a whistle-blower initiative to report substandard work, prioritizing projects within economic corridors, and ensuring the completion of one carriageway before commencing the second in dual carriageway projects.
The Ministry has also taken steps to engage with the Ministry of Steel Development to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company, establish the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, and launch the second phase of the Highway Development Management Initiative.
These reforms, according to the Ministry, are part of the Renewed Hope Road Infrastructure Revolution Agenda, which aims to deliver quality roads and promote economic growth under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The Ministry has introduced new policies to mitigate the slow pace of work and improve the service life of Federal Roads,” the document stated.
Some of the detailed policy initiatives include:
- Adoption of Rigid Pavements: Shifting from flexible pavements to continuously reinforced concrete pavements, particularly in areas with high water levels and poor soil conditions.
- Reduction of Variation of Price Claims: Curtailing contractors’ claims for price adjustments, thereby saving government funds and reducing requests for contract augmentation.
- Removal of Consumer Price Index from Contracts: Ensuring that the government gets full value for money spent on projects.
- Introduction of Uniform Pricing: Standardizing procurement rates within each zone to ensure fair pricing.
- Enhanced Supervision: Requiring field staff to be consistently present on project sites.
- Whistle-Blower Initiative: Engaging communities and road users to monitor and report substandard work.
- Prioritization of Economic Corridor Projects: Focusing on projects that will spur economic growth.
- Phased Carriageway Completion: Ensuring one carriageway is fully completed before starting the second in dual carriageway projects.
The Ministry’s other initiatives include collaborating with the Ministry of Steel Development to produce iron rods for construction, revising critical projects, establishing the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, and continuing road maintenance throughout the project lifespan.
The Ministry has also implemented measures such as subjecting subgrade layers to extended vehicular movement before pavement placement, improving road design based on environmental and geotechnical assessments, and creating communication channels among top management staff.
These new policies are expected to significantly improve the quality of road infrastructure and support Nigeria’s broader economic development goals.
