By Nudoiba Ojen
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the President Bola Tinubu administration is bothered by complaints from Nigerians over deplorable state of roads across the country.
Umahi said that President Tinubu has consequently approved fresh 260 interventions on roads across the country.
The Minister, who stated these in a statement on his official social media handles on Friday.
Umahi said: “I had a meeting with the President to address concerns regarding our country’s road infrastructure. I’ve consistently praised the President for his strong commitment to improving our road network.
“Every day, we receive numerous complaints from the public about the deplorable state of our roads. However, every request I presented to the President regarding road improvements has been approved.
“Just yesterday, he granted approval for over 260 road interventions across all 36 states and the FCT. Last week, he also approved emergency road and bridge repairs.”
Umahi said some of the interventions include key roads in the Southeast and West where three bridges had collapsed which the President approved their immediate repairs.
The minister said the president also authorized the repair of the bridge on the Lafia-Shandan Road.
He noted that due to flooding, 17 points on the East-West Road had collapsed, and funds for their immediate repair were released by the president.
Umahi said: “The necessary approvals were also given for the maintenance and repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Furthermore, two bridges in Enugu that had collapsed were approved for reconstruction by Mr President.
“He also granted approval for two locations on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. The reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja Road was also approved”
“The president also gave the green light for the upgrade of the Abuja-Lafia-Akwanga Road, which is currently in progress through a Private Partnership Agreement with China, with a 15% Nigerian contribution.
“The construction of the Lafia Bypass dualization, connecting Makurdi, Otukpo, and Obolo Afor to Ninth Mile, was also approved and is financed by the China Exim Bank. The Lafia-Keffi Road is similarly funded by the China Exim Bank.
“Finally, Mr. President authorized the construction of the 7th Axle Road leading to the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos,” the Minister said
