Minister David Umahi inspects ongoing East-West Road construction by RCC Nigeria Limited in Rivers State.
Minister David Umahi Enforces Nigeria First Policy On Road Projects
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, inspected East-West Road Section IIIA in Rivers State.
The project stretches from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction and is managed by RCC Nigeria Limited.
Umahi declared that expatriate firms will no longer handle projects under ₦20bn.
“No expatriate firm will be awarded any project valued below ₦20bn,” he stated.
The minister emphasized local contractors will benefit from federal road contracts.
Expatriate Companies To Focus On High-Value Projects
Foreign firms will concentrate on technically demanding projects above the ₦20bn threshold.
Umahi commended RCC for maintaining high-quality standards on the Eleme-Onne project.
He criticized the slow pace, which the contractor attributed to seasonal rains.
The December 15, 2025 deadline for completion remains unchanged, he warned.
Funding Prioritisation Framework And Presidential Directive
The Ministry of Works adopted a funding prioritisation framework for ongoing projects.
Some roads were initially financed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The framework follows the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
President Bola Tinubu directed that no road project should be abandoned.
Critical economic corridors will receive funding priority, Umahi confirmed.
Strict Compliance And Contractor Oversight Nationwide
Umahi warned contractors against leaving binder courses unprotected without wearing courses.
He explained that this practice causes premature road failures across Nigeria.
Federal controllers are instructed to enforce strict compliance in all states.
The minister also condemned indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles on highways.
Letters will be sent to governors and the Inspector-General of Police for enforcement.
RCC Progress On East-West Road And Other Projects
RCC has completed 15km of the right carriageway and started the left carriageway.
One kilometre has been laid in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).
Other projects include sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
China Civil Engineering Construction Company and Arab Contractors manage some sections.
RCC remains the lead contractor on the Eleme–Onne section.
Focus On Indigenous Construction Capacity
The policy aims to grow local construction firms and reduce dependence on expatriate contractors.
Campaigners for Pro-indigenous firms say prioritising Nigerian firms boosts the economy and creates jobs.
The ministry plans additional oversight visits to monitor quality and timelines.
Federal controllers will ensure compliance with technical standards nationwide.
