Emmanuel OchayiAliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has called on the Federal Government to replace asphalt roads with concrete roads, emphasizing their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Apapa-Oworonshoki road by President Bola Tinubu, Dangote highlighted the benefits of concrete roads and their potential to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
“Concrete roads are easier to build and maintain,” said Dangote. “The Apapa-Oworonshoki road will be a catalyst for economic development, creating employment opportunities during and after construction. It has also permitted the accumulation of experience in building concrete roads in Nigeria.”
The newly commissioned road, which spans 37 kilometers and connects critical economic centers, has been touted as a significant achievement under Executive Order 007 on the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. This scheme allows private companies to finance public infrastructure projects in exchange for tax credits.
“Executive Order 007 created the right framework for public-private partnerships in the development of road infrastructure projects that have a measurable economic impact,” Dangote explained. “This innovative public-private partnership framework has enabled the government to provide vital infrastructure services without going through several budget cycles involving inevitable delays and cost escalations.”
The Apapa-Oworonshoki road project, spearheaded by the Dangote Group, underscores the potential of leveraging private sector resources for public infrastructure development. The project, completed in partnership with HiTech, expanded the road to 10 lanes, significantly improving traffic flow and accessibility to the Nigerian ports and other key markets.
“Lagos is home to all, and I thank Aliko Dangote for coming up with this initiative and delivering what can be considered the Tenth Wonder of The World,” said President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “This reconstruction is a win for all Nigerians and showcases the success of the renewed hope agenda.”
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For years, the Apapa-Isolo-Oworonshoki road had been in disrepair, with multiple sections collapsing and failing, which severely hindered the movement of goods and disrupted supply chains. The poor state of the road increased logistics costs for companies, which were ultimately passed on to consumers, exacerbating economic challenges.
The successful completion of the road marks a significant turnaround. It not only facilitates smoother transportation but also enhances the overall economic environment. The project has provided valuable lessons in the construction and maintenance of concrete roads, which are poised to become a standard for future infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
“Given the huge cost savings achieved in this project, it is recommended that the Federal Ministry of Works gives serious consideration to stipulating the replacement of Nigeria’s asphalt road networks with easier-to-build and maintain concrete roads using 100 percent local inputs,” Dangote urged.
The Dangote Group sees this project as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, having recouped only 40 percent of its investment so far. Dangote suggested that a more favorable interest rate recovery should be considered due to the high cost of capital in Nigeria.
“We believe that a more commercial interest rate recovery should be allowed given the high cost of capital in the Nigerian fiscal environment,” he said.
The Federal Government’s recognition of this project’s success highlights the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors. Minister of Works, David Umahi, also received a commendation for his commitment to structural development across Nigeria.
“Lagos is not the only state experiencing growth and development under the renewed hope agenda,” Tinubu added. “We look forward to replicating such successes across other states to ensure holistic national development.”
The Apapa-Oworonshoki road is more than just an infrastructure project; it symbolizes a new era of economic progress and sustainable development for Nigeria. The push for concrete roads, led by Dangote, could pave the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and durable road network nationwide, benefiting both the economy and the populace.
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.
