Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Government has emphasized that the requirement for contractors to be on-site and actively working for at least two weeks before receiving the mobilization fee is essential for sustainable project development and efficient delivery.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced this during an inspection of the ongoing construction on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.
Umahi emphasized that only capable contractors will be engaged in Nigeria’s road projects to ensure timely completion and prevent abandonment by non-compliant contractors.
The Minister stated that Messrs Infoquest International (Nig.) Limited has demonstrated its ability to deliver quality work on schedule, as evidenced by the significant progress made within a month of signing the contract.
“This is without being paid the initial 30% mobilisation fee as against what has been the previous practice,” he emphasised.
Praising the quality of work, the Minister encouraged Resident Engineers and Engineer’s Representatives on other projects nationwide to remain vigilant in ensuring the proper composition of the stone base. He emphasized that a standard stone base should consist of at least 70% stone, as the name suggests, and 30% dust.
“Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure,” he observed.
The Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to quality infrastructure development, emphasizing that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must adhere to the highest standards and be completed on time.
