The Federal Government has announced May 10th as the completion deadline for the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a project being managed by MTN under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme.
During a meeting in Abuja with the Federal Ministry of Works, MTN, and RCC Company Nig Ltd, it was resolved that MTN would be held accountable if the road fails due to substandard work by the contractor. Additionally, it was agreed that there would be no variation or VOP on the project, and RCC must adhere to the Conditions of Contract procedures.
Barrister Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, issued a statement detailing the meeting, which included the Minister, the Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. O.O. Adebiyi, representatives of MTN, and the Managing Director of RCC Company Nig Ltd.
Umahi emphasized the Federal Ministry of Works’ commitment to ensuring quality and timely delivery of the project. He expressed concern over an MTN official’s insinuation that the Ministry’s directive to RCC Ltd. to stop using materials that could compromise the project’s quality was an act of sabotage.
“We have the responsibility to ensure quality delivery of work by contractors, and in this case, MTN,” Umahi stated. He recounted his inspection visits to project sites, which prompted contractors to improve their work quality and speed.
Umahi highlighted the need for RCC Nig Ltd. to follow project variation rules and criticized the company’s demand for a VOP of N14bn on a N38bn project. He called on cement manufacturers to reduce cement prices to N7,000, citing the recent stabilization of the dollar.
“The cost of petrol is coming down, and efforts are being made by Mr. President to fix the road,” Umahi said. He urged cement manufacturers to lower prices, warning that he would officially complain to the President if they did not comply within a week.
In their remarks, the Minister of State for Works and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works praised the Ministry’s policies for fast-tracking job execution and ensuring value for money. They urged the contractor to cooperate with the Renewed Hope administration and deliver the Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway on time for the President’s commissioning.
