The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued directives for the installation of security features, including closed-circuit television cameras, solar lighting, and enhanced safety measures on nine highways franchised to private investors under the Highway Development and Management Initiative.
This announcement came as the minister inaugurated three committees aimed at expediting the implementation of the initiative, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna, on Tuesday.
The initiative, launched in May 2023, involves leveraging private-sector investment to enhance facilities and operations on selected routes, with an expected revenue generation of over N11.54 trillion during the 25-year concession period.
The program, structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP), focuses on the construction, operations, and maintenance of highways, allowing concessionaires to recoup their investments through negotiated toll and non-toll revenues.
Despite the approval given eight months ago, contractors have yet to commence work on the sites, leading to frustration expressed by the minister during a recent meeting with directors. Umahi emphasized the need for swift resolution, stating, “This issue has lingered for four years and six months now, but this January, we must conclude everything about the successful companies this month.”
During the event held at the ministry headquarters in Abuja, Umahi urged the committees to work diligently, considering the expectations of Nigerians in terms of transparency, standards, and efficiency in contract negotiations.
He directed a review of the scope of work and cost implications to align with current economic dynamics and the new policy direction of the present administration.
Umahi also emphasized the importance of ensuring standard road infrastructure for tolling, stating, “We don’t want to do just a patch on the road and give it to the public for you to toll. The public will resist. We want to have a standard road to toll.”
As part of the security measures, the minister mandated the inclusion of closed-circuit television cameras, solar lighting, and enhanced security provisions on the highways. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission will determine the number of toll gates and stations.
Three committees were established for the HDMI program: the Scoping and Design Committee, the Financial Committee, and the Due Diligence and Agreement Review Committee.
The Due Diligence Committee was tasked with swiftly determining figures to commence work on the sites by the end of March 2024. Umahi expressed a sense of urgency, saying, “Enough of these meetings, enough of the bureaucracy.”
