The Budget for Road Infrastructure in Nigeria may significantly Increase if the Authorities decide to shift from Traditional asphalt pavement to Concrete Road Technology, contrary to Expectations that it would reduce Short-term Project Costs, as revealed by an Investigation.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, recently Instructed Contractors handling Federal Government Highways to choose between Asphalt pavements and Concrete Technology.
Major Project Contractors were directed to Collaborate with Ministry Engineers to redesign ongoing Road Projects by Concrete Technology standards.
Although a Policy guide on Concrete Road Construction exists, its widespread Implementation for Roads in the Country remains limited.
Road construction in Nigeria has Primarily relied on Asphalt pavement since Independence, but Concrete Technology presents a new approach that offers long-term durability.
The Federal Government has given Contractors working on abandoned Road Projects a 14-day Ultimatum to return to work or risk Contract revocation.
The Government has also Threatened to Report Contractors Allegedly opposing the use of Concrete for Road Construction to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
Minister Umahi reaffirmed his Commitment to Concrete Technology, emphasizing that he had the support of President Bola Tinubu.
He mentioned that some Contractors have already embraced the Policy, and major Cement Producers have agreed to offer Discounted prices for Government Road Builders.
He highlighted the cost efficiency and the need to Promote Local Cement Production over Bitumen Importation for Cement Roads.
The Minister also cautioned against Contractors who Secure multiple Projects but deploy Minimal equipment to the Sites, vowing to address such Practices.
Despite significant Expenditures on Road Construction over the years, the Government still owes Contractors approximately N14 trillion for 2,604 roads spanning 18,000 kilometers.
This accumulated Debt poses the risk of doubling the Road Infrastructure Budget.
According to Minister Umahi, the Ministry of Works has Disbursed N4 trillion out of the N14 trillion Owed to Contractors for ongoing Road Projects, leaving a balance of N10 trillion.
Traditional Asphalt Pavement Involves a Construction method utilizing sand and bitumen, where bitumen acts as a Binding Material to hold Asphalt together.
