The Federal Government has allocated over N840 billion for the rehabilitation of the 82-kilometer Section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, spanning across the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Kano States. This funding also covers the construction of the Bodo-Bonny road, including bridges across the Opobo Channel, Route 430 in Rivers State.
During a meeting with representatives of the main contractor, Julius Berger (Nig), Plc, in Abuja, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, revealed these details. The minister emphasized the significance of expediting the projects, as they are highly valued by President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian populace.
Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc was represented at the meeting by its Executive Director, Projects, Engr. Benjamin Bott, and the Head of Contract Management, Omonigho Brown.
Minister Umahi explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the re-scoping and downward review of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Dual Carriageway in the FCT, Kaduna, and Kano States, as well as the revised estimated total cost for the construction of Bodo-Bonny road with bridges across the Opobo channel, route 430 in Rivers State.
He also stressed the importance of corporate nationalism in price negotiation to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
Minister Umahi urged the contractor to swiftly mobilize in the four sections of the Abuja–Zaria–Kaduna–Kano project to ensure completion within 14 months. He emphasized that the decision took into account the inflation rate and the current economic situation.
He appealed to Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc not to seek an increase in the contract sum, and mentioned that the Ministry had informed the President that if the company does not accept the specified amount, the contract would be terminated.
The Minister emphasized the need for Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc to mobilize in multiple locations for both projects to achieve a speedy completion.
Regarding the Bodo-Bonny project, Minister Umahi indicated that the agreed contract sum is fixed, with an additional 12-month completion period, and urged the contractor to mobilize in a minimum of three locations to meet the deadline.
The meeting concluded with the formal handover of the Letters of Award for the reviewed approved projects contract sums to Julius Berger (Plc), which outlined the terms of the contract.