The Federal Government’s decision to switch from asphalt to concrete technology for road construction has triggered a backlash from leading contractors working on several major highways across the country.
The new Minister of Works, David Umahi, who announced the policy change last week, has ordered all contractors handling Federal Government highways to adopt concrete technology and redesign their ongoing projects accordingly. This means that many road projects will be halted or delayed as a result of the minister’s directive.
According to The PUNCH, some of the affected federal highway projects include Benin-Warri dual carriageway and Benin-Sapele sections 1-3 in Delta State, Maraba-Keffi road expansion in Nasarawa State, and Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road in Niger State. The list also includes Zaria-Funtua-Sokoto-Shema road in Kaduna State and some parts in Gusau in Zamfara State, Mubi-Maiduguri and Bama-Konduga-Maiduguri road in Adamawa and Borno states.
Some of the major construction companies that will face the impact of the minister’s directive are China Harbour Engineering Company, Gilmour Engineering Nigeria Limited, CBC Global Civil & Building Construction, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Decency Associates Limited, and Zephrygold International Limited. Others are Levant Construction Company Limited, Geld Construction Company Limited, Triata Nigeria Limited, SKECC Nigeria Limited and Mothercat Nigeria Limited.
The PUNCH also reported that the minister has instructed the Bureau of Public Procurement to withdraw Certificates of No Objection issued for all federal road contracts awarded by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration under the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji-Fashola. However, this could not be verified as of press time.
Meanwhile, contractors handling ongoing highway projects across the country have protested against the directive, describing it as a breach of contracts that could lead to huge losses for the government and the contractors.
They said that the minister’s decision to abruptly order contractors to dump asphalt for concrete technology was like “shifting the goalposts in the middle of the game.”
They argued that construction companies have invested millions of dollars in asphalt technology equipment and imported bitumen and other raw materials worth billions of naira. They said that switching to concrete technology at this stage of the road projects will result in millions of dollars in losses and waste.
Top officials of construction companies told The PUNCH that if the minister did not reverse the directive, some contractors might have no choice but to seek legal redress.
A top executive of a leading construction firm, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What the minister is trying to do will lead to chaos. This is one of the reasons foreign investors shy away from doing business in Nigeria – a situation where the government wakes up and decides to change the terms of contracts.
“It is not done anywhere. These contracts in question have been approved by the Federal Executive Council, Certificates of No Objection have been issued by the BPP.
“The designs for the roads were approved by the Ministry of Works. Contractors have imported bitumen from overseas, personnel and asphalt technology equipment have been deployed on sites and works are ongoing already. How can these work stages be reversed just like that?”
Findings show that the minister’s concrete plan is based on his belief that concrete technology is more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly than asphalt technology.
He said that concrete roads can last up to 50 years without maintenance, while asphalt roads have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. He also said that concrete roads can reduce CO2 emissions and increase fuel efficiency for drivers. He cited his experience as a former governor of Ebonyi State where he constructed many concrete roads.
However, some experts have challenged the minister’s claims and pointed out some drawbacks of concrete technology for road construction. They said that concrete roads are more expensive and time-consuming to build than asphalt roads.
They also said that concrete roads are more prone to cracking and spalling due to temperature changes and moisture. They added that concrete roads are more difficult to repair than asphalt roads.
The controversy over Umahi’s concrete plan has raised questions about the future of road construction in Nigeria and its implications for the economy, environment, and safety. As the debate continues, Nigerians are hoping for a speedy resolution that will ensure quality roads for their mobility and development.
