By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
Under its Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has greenlit the funding of the dualisation of three critical sections spanning 30km along the Benin-Lokoja Highway by BUA Group.
The federal government had introduced the tax credit scheme- model that encourages partnership with private companies where taxes are paid in advance to enable government invest in notable projects that would be beneficial to its citizens.
Speaking during a meeting with, stakeholders and contractors in Abuja, Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring top-notch standards and durability in road construction.
“I first went through the road in September, and when I went through it, I was very satisfied that BPP, the Bureau of Public Procurement, and the ministry did a very fantastic work. All I did was to keep the project, but review the texture of the pavement. And so we allowed the existing carriageway to be on asphalt and then reviewed the new carriageway to be on concrete.
“Being satisfied, we went through the process of notifying the BPP, and from there, we went to FEC, the Federal Executive Council, and graciously, FEC approved it, and now we are in the process of signing an addendum to the contract.
“Mr. President has approved that BUA Group should do 30km of the road in 3 locations multiplied by 2, that is 60km on Tax Credit,” he said.
Commending BUA Group for their proactive involvement, the Minister highlighted the targeted intervention aimed at crucial road segments.
Earlier, the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, lauded the government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape through robust infrastructure projects, particularly praising Sen Umahi’s unwavering dedication.
Oshiomhole expressed his profound pleasure over the new paradigm in the Federal Ministry of Works, noting that the Ministry under Umahi has recorded unprecedented performance in the road infrastructure development within the shortest period of time.
He said, “I was shocked that within 72 hours this Minister did not only hear the word of the President, he packaged what I have seen from the briefing to be a doable and workable approach to solving a problem that four or five ministers before him could not solve.
“So I wish to ask us to appreciate his energy, his drive, and his focus, without which we will not be here today.”
Echoing the sentiment, APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo, Sen Monday Okpebholo, expressed optimism and gratitude for the swift response to their plea, emphasising the potential for such initiatives to bolster national pride and unity.
BUA Group’s Group Executive Director, Kabiru Rabiu, assured of timely delivery of the project.