Road construction: FG now opts for concrete, ditches asphalt—Works Minister

The Federal Government has announced that it intends to switch from asphalt to concrete for highway construction nationwide.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, revealed the plans during a facility tour of Kamsteel Integrated Company Limited’s plant in Jimba-Oja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, accompanied by federal lawmakers and high-ranking government officials.

According to the minister, approximately 70% of federal highways are now being designed with concrete infrastructure to significantly extend their lifespan after completion and opening to the public.

He instructed contractors working on the federal government’s projects to source high-quality construction materials from reputable local manufacturers.

Umahi said that this approach would stimulate job creation, generate revenue for the government, reduce the country’s reliance on imported products, and ultimately protect the national currency by promoting the use of locally produced materials.

The minister pledged to promote and support local manufacturers and even consider mandating their inclusion in procurement specifications to ensure that contractors source high-quality materials domestically, thereby guaranteeing the excellence of bridge construction projects.

Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, Group Managing Director of KAM Holdings Limited, who led the minister on a tour of the factory, affirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the quality of its products.

According to him, his major preoccupation was for products coming from the company to meet the international standard, adding that the company’s prime product, Elephant TMT, is an export-grade UKCARES-certified product being used for heavy construction activities like high-rise buildings, mega bridges, dams, and others.

He assured them that their mission is to ensure customers get value for their money, and they are confident that contractors who use their products will always have positive feedback and testimonials to share, demonstrating their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.