Nigeria - China Partnership: Driving Growth and Development The Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMSW), Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq has applauded the partnership between Nigeria and China as a driver of growth in infrastructure, transportation, mining and knowledge transfer. Speaking at the CAETE Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja on November 28, 2024, Goronyo emphasised the nations' shared commitment to sustainable development through strategic cooperation. The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), which aims to increase infrastructure’s GDP contribution from 30-35% to 70% by 2043, prioritising investments in transportation, energy, healthcare and water systems. He noted China’s significant role in projects like the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos - Ibadan Expressway and renewable energy initiatives, which have boosted connectivity, commerce and local capacity. He also stressed the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability and urged for greater technical training and public-private partnerships.    “I am delighted to share Nigeria's strides in redefining its infrastructure landscape through the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP). This long-term strategic framework prioritises investments across key sectors, including transportation, energy, water, irrigation and healthcare infrastructures,” the HMSW further emphasised. NIIMP will promote innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, as well as enhance collaboration with global partners like China to deliver on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. Through this plan, it is hoped that Nigeria will build robust infrastructure, which will drive industrialisation, improve the quality of lives and position the nation as a hub for trade and investment in Africa. This is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. In his Keynote Address, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Abubakar Sa’id Alkali, commended the progress achieved in the rail, road and maritime sectors through a Nigeria-China collaboration. The Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dun Hai described the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation with transformative projects like the Abuja - Kaduna Railway, which showcase the potential of engineering and technology. The event reaffirmed the role of Partnerships in fostering economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development, which align with one of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.  The Chairman of the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Mr Erie Ni emphasised that the event is of key importance and would deepen the relationship between the two countries, fostering immense innovation, growth and sustainable development. He stated that "over the years, China and Nigeria have been involved in a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship as Chinese enterprises, engineers and investors have been privileged to contribute to Nigeria's development in various sectors including construction, telecommunications, energy and transport."  The Director General and Global Liaison, the Nigeria – China Strategic Partnership Reached by the Two Countries, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe reiterated the need for enhanced collaboration, cultural exchange and trade to cement a prosperous future for both nations   ...

BAGO, NASS MEMBERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS LAUD FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - CALLS FOR THE TERMINATION OF SULEJA - MINNA DUALISATION  CONTRACT - Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda Brings Development to Niger State. The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR continues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians through one of its Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.  The Minister of Works, H.E. Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE stated this at a Town Hall Meeting and Stakeholders’ Engagement on the construction of the 125-kilometre Section I, 3-lane Single Carriageway (Niger State component) of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway in Minna, Niger State, where he discussed the development of road infrastructure. Umahi highlighted the importance of the meeting, which focuses on constructing the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the larger 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. According to the Minister, the Super Highway, one of the four (4) Legacy Projects of the Federal Government, will pass through several states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos with 125 kilometres to be constructed within Niger State. Umahi underscores the project’s potential to enhance infrastructure development and stimulate socio-economic activities along its corridor, bringing direct benefits to local residents, as well as businesses. "Niger State, with its extensive network of Federal roads, faces numerous challenges due to their poor conditions. Many of these road projects, some dating back to 2010, remain uncompleted. For example, the Dualisation of Suleja - Minna Road remains unfinished since being awarded in 2010 and the Bida - Lapai - Lambata Road is at 64% completion despite being awarded over a decade ago. Quality infrastructure and timely project completion are priorities for both state and federal stakeholders," he declared. The Minister further highlighted the importance of the Stakeholders’ Engagement, which focuses on issues concerning the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway. He announced that decisive actions would be taken against contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State, while inviting them to a crucial meeting at the Ministry, Headquarters on Friday, 15th November, 2024.  Engr. Umahi expressed disappointment with the Minna - Suleja road's current state, describing it as an eyesore and very discouraging. He further lamented that despite bogus claim of 84% completion, the company has been collecting Federal funds for over 14 years without commensurate work on the project.   The Minister also stated that President Tinubu's administration prioritises investments aimed at stimulating growth across multiple sectors of our national life. He revealed that the present administration inherited 2,604 projects, soliciting for National Assembly's support in securing special intervention funds to complete them, as well as other new projects. He pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the President's effort towards improving their wellbeing. He further explained that the Renewed Hope Administration’s shift from asphaltic to concrete pavement, in road construction, is informed by its cost effectiveness (in the long run) and sustainability due to the use of locally sourced materials. Earlier, the State Governor, H.E. Mohammed Umar Bago called on the Federal Government to revoke the Suleja-Minna road contract due, majorly, to lack of capacity exhibited by the contractor, Messrs Stabilini (Nig.) Ltd. Instead, H.E. Bago recommended that contractors with proven capabilities in delivering quality works be engaged to complete the lingering project. The Governor assured his Guest of the state’s support for President Bola Tinibu's administration, emphasising the need for engaging reliable contractors to ensure quality and timely completion of projects. He also unveiled plans to establish a cement factory in Niger State, leveraging the state's abundant raw materials, in order to cash in on the use of concrete pavement in the construction of the new alignment. In his Remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Works, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Ph.D emphasises the need for stakeholders in the state to join hands with the Federal Government by supporting the Renewed Agenda, as Mr. President has done well in the development of the State and he will continue to champion infrastructural development. He assured the good people of the state and the nation, at large, that Mr President has not neglected the Northern part of the country, in whatever guise. Representing the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, its Vice Chairman, Sen. Rufa'i Hanga praised President Tinubu’s vision and foresight stating that the project, when completed, would boost productivity, commerce and socio-economic growth. The House Committee Chairman on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi called for the declaration of a “state of emergency” on Niger’s Federal roads, advising the Minister to engage an independent consultant to assess all ongoing road and bridge projects, nationwide. Furthermore, various Stakeholders, who spoke on behalf of the various communities affected by the Sokoto -Badagry road project, called on the Federal Government to ensure that commensurate compensation is paid to the affected people, while pledging their support to the successful execution of the project. The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu'azu Barau II, also applauded the President's focus on infrastructure development and begged for the Federal Government’s intervention in rehabilitating additional roads within the State. The Senator representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa commended Mr. President and Governor Bago’s infrastructure drive, also requested that critical projects such as the Zungeru Bridge, Tegina - Birnin Gwari - Kaduna and Sarkin Pawa - Kaduna roads be given priority attention. He further urged the Federal Government to declare a “state of emergency” on Niger state’s dilapidated roads. The Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Abdulmalik Muhammed, commended Mr President and Governor Bago's determination to transform the country and state, respectively.    ...

Notice of Termination of Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) Based on non-compliance with reviewed cost, scope and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna),  today, 4th November, 2024. The decision, which is borne out of several months of going back and forth without any meaningful progress was reached at a   Management meeting of the Ministry. The Ministry has in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail. Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three (3) Sections was awarded to the company on 20th December, 2017 and flagged off by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, H:E. Babatunde Raji Fashola at an initial  sum of N155.748,178,425.50 billion(One Hundred and Fifty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred Forty-Eight Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five naira Fifty Kobo) on 18th June, 2018. Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria - Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President  Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed for the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. Approval for the Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38 (thirty-eight) kilometres on concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127 (one hundred and twenty-seven) kilometres remained with the substantive contractor. The Phase 1 was flagged off on 17th October, 2024 with a 14-month completion period. Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the Ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc from the sum of N797,263,523,738.87 (seven hundred and ninety-seven billion, two hundred and sixty-three million, five hundred and twenty-three thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight naira  eighty-seven kobo) to N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand , one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo) was granted by FEC on 23rd September, 2024 and conveyed to the company on 3rd October, 2024.   As due to the socio-economic importance the road as a vital artery connecting Abuja, the FCT to the North, the Ministry conveyed the approval for a Final Offer on the Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway to the company on 23rd October, 2024, stating that it should agree, in writing, to accept the reviewed contract sum of N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand , one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo) within seven (7) days or risk the termination of the said contract.  It is a sad commentary on the Company that rather than accepting the offer, they tinkered with the Bills of Quantities, as well as that of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation via a letter to the Ministry dated 29th October, 2024. The company was summoned for a meeting with the Management of the Ministry, today, 4th November, 2024 but refused to show up, hence the termination of the contract  based on effluxion of time and non- performance.   ...