The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended local contractors working on sections of the East-West Road for the quality of their work, stating that indigenous firms are now outperforming their foreign counterparts in many instances.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the end of a two-day inspection of federal government projects, Umahi debunked claims that local contractors deliver substandard work.
Instead, he praised their commitment and efficiency, particularly in comparison to foreign firms.
The minister inspected the Eleme-Onne and Ahoada-Bayelsa sections of the East-West Road in Rivers State, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 56.10-km Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section in Abia State.
He emphasised that prioritising local contractors aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of empowering capable indigenous firms.
Umahi specifically lauded SETRACO Nigeria Limited and Rock Results Group for their exceptional work on the Ahoada-Bayelsa section, including the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-prone areas.
“I want to express my deep satisfaction with SETRACO Nigeria Ltd. I have inspected Section 2, Sub-Section 1, which spans 47km. This project was inherited from the previous administration, and we have since completed it. Under our administration, we ensured payments were made, and it is now ready for commissioning before the end of May,” Umahi stated.
He further commended Rock Results Group, acknowledging initial skepticism regarding their capability.
“When we isolated the project and awarded it to Rock Results, some critics argued that the contractor was unqualified. However, the results speak for themselves. We now have a beautifully constructed concrete road—one of the best in the country. The quality of the relief culverts is outstanding.”
The minister underscored the impressive performance of local firms under President Tinubu’s administration.
“There is now little distinction between the work of local and foreign contractors. In fact, in many cases, local firms deliver superior quality and demonstrate greater commitment. This affirms Mr. President’s directive to elevate local contractors, as expatriate firms alone cannot bridge the infrastructure gap,” he noted.
Umahi directed that work on both sections of the Ahoada-Bayelsa Road be expedited to ensure completion by November 2025.
“There are 11km remaining on each carriageway, totaling 22km. Anyone claiming that this road cannot be completed this year is misleading themselves. I have instructed the controller and SETRACO to develop a work plan ensuring completion by November 2025,” he said.
