The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed on Thursday that the federal government is currently unable to refund the funds expended by State Governments on Federal Roads. Minister Umahi made this statement during his visit to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan.
During his two-day working visit to Oyo State, Minister Umahi explained, “The economy right now will not permit any commitment by the federal government. However, records of such road projects undertaken by the states would be preserved and could be reevaluated when the economic situation improves.”
Umahi commended Governor Makinde for his administration’s efforts in road projects, noting that these interventions have eased the suffering of the people. He emphasised that, whether it’s state or federal roads, the government’s primary focus is the welfare of the people.
The minister encouraged Governor Makinde to consider embracing Concrete Pavement Technology for road construction projects, highlighting its durability and cost-effectiveness compared to asphalt roads. He cited successful road projects with concrete pavement in Lagos state and mentioned that he had constructed nearly 95 per cent of road projects using this technology during his tenure as the Governor of Ebonyi.
Minister Umahi clarified the purpose of his visit to Oyo State, indicating that he was inspecting federal government road projects in the South West. He revealed that he had previously met with all the contractors involved in road projects in the North West, North Central, and South West regions of Abuja.
He sought greater cooperation from the Oyo State government to ensure the success of federal government projects in the state.
In response, Governor Makinde expressed his gratitude for the minister’s visit and acknowledged Umahi’s remarkable track record while governing Ebonyi. He emphasised the importance of road projects to the state’s economy and stated that his administration is committed to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of various road projects, whether they are state or federal.
Governor Makinde cited the example of the 34-kilometre Oyo-Iseyin road, a project that took two years to gain federal government approval. Once approved, the state awarded it to a contractor immediately due to its significance to the state’s agribusiness. Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, will inaugurate the road on September 15. While not requesting an immediate refund, the records of these expenditures are available and will be provided to the Minister.
Makinde also expressed his administration’s dedication to investing in road infrastructure for the state’s development. He offered to collaborate with the federal government to dualize the Oyo state section of the Ibadan-Abeokuta road and informed the minister of his agreement with counterparts in Ogun and Lagos States to illuminate the Lagos-Ibadan Road. Given that this road is the busiest in the country, he believes that lighting the entire stretch will enhance security along the road corridor.
