Emmanuel Ochayi
In a bid to enhance the efficiency and quality of road infrastructure under the Public Private Partnership model, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi has announced the introduction of new parameters for the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).
Addressing stakeholders during a meeting at his office on February 12th, 2024, the Honourable Minister emphasized the need for a more effective operational model and better contractual relations between the Federal Government and concessionaires.
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Present at the meeting were representatives from the Public Private Partnership unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Messrs. Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd (APPNL), concessionaires for the Benin-Asaba and Lagos-Abeokuta road corridors.
The meeting centered on reviewing project parameters negotiated in 2022 by APPNL, considering factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and reduced traffic due to fuel price increases. The Minister stressed the importance of adhering to what he termed the “Renewed Hope” model of the HDMI program, outlining key parameters to be adopted in all future contractual relations.
These parameters include strict adherence to design specifications, agreed construction periods, no variations on projects, completion of one carriageway before tolling, and alignment with socio-economic dynamics.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the necessity for tolling terms to comply with federal laws, utilization of contingency plans with client approval, verification of bill of quantities, and adherence to highway standards prescribed by national laws.
Speaking directly to stakeholders, Minister Umahi stated, “We need to ensure that road projects are delivered to the highest standards and within agreed timelines. The parameters we’ve set forth today are crucial for achieving this goal and ensuring the efficient utilization of completed projects by the public.”
In response, the team leader of APPNL and the head of the PPP unit of the Federal Ministry of Works expressed their commitment to the Ministry’s initiatives and the need for project review. They acknowledged the importance of aligning project costs and scopes with industry standards, as directed by the Ministry under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We appreciate the Minister’s guidance and are fully committed to engaging in thorough negotiations to achieve financial closure and commence work promptly,” said the representatives from APPNL and the PPP unit.
The Honourable Minister’s announcement signifies a significant step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s road infrastructure and ensuring transparency and efficiency in public-private partnerships. The new parameters aim to streamline processes, enhance project delivery, and ultimately benefit road users nationwide.
Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to implementing innovative strategies for sustainable development.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
