The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the federal government is committed to delivering the uncompleted section of the zroad before the end of the year.

Mr Umahi made this commitment in a meeting with all ministry directors on Thursday in Abuja.

He stated that all obstacles hindering the delivery would be addressed to ensure the actualisation of the project for the benefit of Nigerians before the end of 2024.

According to the former Ebonyi State governor, the contractors have requested a review of the price to N1.35 trillion to finance the project.

He said about 1.7 kilometres was left of Abuja-Kaduna, adding that the ministry would supervise the work and be advised on the real designs of the two sections.

Mr Umahi said funds for the project were also an issue “because it is under the presidential development fund initiative gotten from looted funds. I have had to discuss with Mr president about the importance of the road for all users

“But I won’t be able to go back to him until we rescope it because the project was N165 billion before, and a review brought the cost to N655 billion, but today the contractor is asking for N1.35 trillion, and the government cannot afford it.

“What they are asking for is very wrong. We are looking at the existing subgrade and see what we can do about it.

“We are also looking at the first 40km to be constructed by Dangote under the Tax credit scheme to do it on concrete pavement, but I am very committed to completing that road this year. No matter what happens, that road will be done this year.”

The project was awarded in December 2018.

Concerning non-performing contractors in the Highway Development Management Initiative with the private sector, Mr Umahi said the government was poised to review all contracts that were not seriously being done.

He said the cost, scope, and technicalities of the contracts would be reviewed by the end of January.

Mr Umahi said he had asked for a five per cent equity contribution or guarantee from the contractors so that he would have the assurance of the commitment of those serious about working.

Speaking on key areas of focus of the ministry, he said that if the ministry is given N892 billion to carry out its operations, no money would be left unutilised by December 2024.

(NAN)