PORT HARCOURT — The Federal Government requires about ₦3 trillion to complete ongoing road projects previously funded under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) tax credit scheme, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has revealed.
The disclosure comes after the NNPCL halted funding of such projects with effect from August 1, 2025. President Bola Tinubu has, however, directed the Ministry of Works to explore alternative financing models to ensure no critical infrastructure project is left unfinished.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing dualisation of the Eleme Junction–Onne Port Junction road in Rivers State on Tuesday, Umahi said the ministry had compiled all tax credit projects inherited from the NNPCL for strategic priority funding. He stressed that only the most critical projects along Nigeria’s national economic corridor would be given immediate attention.
“For the second carriageway with some bridges and flyovers, work has started on it. Let me say this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit that has been stopped in terms of funding. But we presented all the inherited projects to Mr. President, and he has graciously directed that none of such works should stop,” Umahi explained.
The minister also announced a new policy directive under the Nigeria First Initiative, stating that henceforth, all road projects valued below ₦20 billion would be handled exclusively by indigenous construction firms.
He further charged contractors working on federal projects to maintain strict quality standards, warning against cutting corners, as the government will enforce rigorous quality control to guarantee Nigerians get value for money.
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