CONTRACTORS LAUD UMAHI, FG OVER NEW MODE OF PAYMENT ..... Says It's An Uncommon Contractual Procedure

Nigeria's Works Minister, Engr David Umahi

..... Describe It As Uncommon Achievement of The Renewed Hope Agenda Administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu To Achieve Best Standards and Speed In Project Delivery." Contractors.

"I am open to all the attacks and the blackmails. At least let it be that our quarrel is not because I am asking them to give me money, but to cut down on cost, in line with the economic realities of the country, where everybody must make sacrifices." Umahi.

"The indigenous contractors are as committed as us. We have already sailed. The ship is at the high sea. If it goes bad, all of us will go in. But if the ship goes bad, there are some people whose people will send a plane to come and evacuate them. We are not evacuatable. So we have to make sacrifices to support Mr. President."

Nigeria's Minister for Works, Engr David Umahi, alongside the Federal Goverment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, received commendations for the seemless arrangement in the payment of money to contractors handling road projects under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.

Describing the new arrangement as "uncommon commitment to best standards and speed in project delivery", is the Association of Ministry of Works' Contractors (AMWC), Mabushi-Abuja when the body paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Ministry recently.

Receiving the delegation in his office, Engr Umahi charged the contractors to continue to work for the future of Nigeria by making sacrifices that would support the economic recovery plans of the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President. 

He commended the Association for their support, encouragement, and cooperation to the new policies and innovations of the Federal Ministry of Works while also, expressing the commitment of the Ministry in giving  the indigenous contractors a level  playing ground and equal opportunities in the award of contracts in the Ministry.

He however harped on the need for all contractors to strictly adhere to the procurement and job specifications, greater speed and best standard as the road infrastructure is the life-wire of the economy of every nation. He further  harped on the need for contractors to prepare to cut down costs in line with the economic realities of the country, having in mind the need for all to contribute towards alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

"And so let me thank you people for putting yourselves together to come. And thanks so much for your commendation of our modest achievements. I am very proud of the indigenous contractors. I have been on site to see some of your jobs, and I have confidence in you." The Minister stated.

Reacting to the issue of sponsored blackmail and falsehood often published by detractors, Engr Umahi said it was not unexpected for a person who wants  a positive change from 'the business as usual' attitude of some contractors.

"So, I am open to all the attacks and the blackmails. At least let it be that our quarrel is not because I am asking them to give me money, but to cut down on cost, in line with the economic realities of the country, where everybody must make sacrifices. The indigenous contractors are as committed as us. We have already sailed. The ship is at the high sea. If it goes bad, all of us will go in. But if the ship goes bad, there are some people whose people will send a plane to come and evacuate them. We are not evacuatable. So we have to make sacrifices to support Mr. President."

Engr Umahi expressed hope that, "with Mr. President's commendable and timely intervention on road infrastructure development, the timely release of funds to contractors, the contractors would  deliver, and the economy would be alive again.

"We have to take back the country, to rescue our people from sufferings based on terrible roads. Road is everything. If we have good roads, kidnapping will reduce, insecurity will reduce, commerce will increase, transportation costs will become cheaper. Social activities will be there. You can see the cost of the flight now. So, let us have a conscience. Place God first for God represents the people in all that we do." He said.

Speaking during the courtesy call, the spokesperson of the Association, Alhaji Abdul- hareen Smith said that they came as a delegation of the contractors drawn from the six geo-politcal zones of the Federation to convey their unwavering  solidarity to the Honourable Minister of Works and declare support to all the policies and programmes of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda, for the wonderful infrastructural programmes currently going on in the sector. 

"We have seen the good work you have been doing since your assumption of office. We have seen a lot. We have seen some passion that you put into the work, and that is uncommon. The members that cut across the six geo-political zones have sent us to tell you that we appreciate all the effort you are doing and that we are solidly behind you and all your programmes." 

They thanked him for the introduction  of concrete technology for Nigerian  roads and other innovations, which, according to them, was a game changer for Nigeria's economic regeneration.

Abdul-hareen Smith further stated that; "We have seen a lot of changes in some of the things that you have brought about since your assumption of office. And maybe, I should start with the concrete technology thing, which a lot of us and maybe some other people misconstrued in the first instance when it initially came in. But as of today, we can tell you that concrete technology is something that we have embraced. We have come to embrace it, and we are assuring you that we will do our work diligently whenever the opportunity comes."

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Orji Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister.