The Minister for Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has promised to redesign the Lokoja-Ajaokuta Express road in view of its strategic importance as the gateway between the Northern and the Eastern parts of the country.
Umahi made the promise during his maiden working visit to Kogi State.
He was responding to Governor Yahaya Bello, who had highlighted the road as the major link road between the North and South.
The minister expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception upon his appointment and for his dedication to the betterment of the state.
Umahi acknowledged the state of federal roads and the government’s comprehensive turnaround efforts.
He revealed plans for long-lasting, low-maintenance concrete roads, and assured swift progress on all federal road projects in the state.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was considering concrete road construction innovation which has low-maintenance cost and can last for over 50 years without maintenance.
He also disclosed that concrete roads are cheaper in terms of construction cost and the guarantee of construction materials.
The minister promised to redesign the Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road and appreciated the governor’s efforts on road maintenance.
A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Onogwu Mohammed stated that Umahi had earlier inspected other federal road projects including the bridge reconstruction at Gada-biu, the Abaji section of Abuja-Lokoja Road, Koto-Karfe Bridge, and Murtala Muhammed Bridge.
According to him, “the minister expressed the determination of the Federal Government to put the strategically important road into a proper shape hence, the need to redesign it to meet the present reality”.
Bello expressed optimism regarding the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road infrastructure.
He expressed deep appreciation for the minister’s proactive approach in inspecting deteriorating federal roads within the state which demonstrated a significant dedication to resolving pressing infrastructure issues.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by commuters, the negative impact on trade and the economy, and the strain on transportation systems.
The governor extended gratitude to both President Bola Tinubu and the minister for recognising the challenges and pledging prompt interventions to alleviate the situation.
“The condition of our federal roads has been a source of great concern to our administration, the people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, owing to the fact that Kogi is geographically the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
“The suffering endured by commuters, the negative impact on trade and economic activities, and the strain on our transportation system have not gone unnoticed.
“It is with this in mind that we extend our sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister for not only acknowledging this plight but also for promising urgent interventions to alleviate the situation”, the governor said.
He emphasised the collaborative efforts between federal and state governments in addressing infrastructure issues as a hallmark of effective governance.
Also, Bello expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for the nation’s economy and citizens’ well-being and believed that urgent interventions promised by the minister would mark a turning point for citizens who regularly travel these roads.
