…Project to gulp N200bn in phases in 3 years
By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Works and MTN Nigeria have renewed their commitments towards the completion of the on-going rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha highway.
This is in line with the avowed determination of President Bola Tinubu Administration to ensure speedy completion of all ongoing road projects across the country.
The contract which is expected to be completed in 3 years will gulp over N200 billion in two separate phases.
This was the resolution reached at the end of stakeholders meeting held at the Ministry of Works Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, commended the management of MTN Nigeria led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karl Toriola for the assurance given to fast track the rehabilitation of the 107 km highway which begins from the 82 Division in Enugu and terminates at the River Niger head bridge in Onitsha.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry was desirous of abiding by the provisions of the Presidential Order on the tax credit scheme which provided for some corporate organisations such as Dangote, BUA and NNPCL to utilize 50% of their expected tax payable to the Federal Government to fund the construction of critical road projects in the country.
Umahi, restated the imperative for the organisation to make good its commitment to the provisions of the contract in spite of the current economic challenges.
He however promised that the Tinubu administration would continue to give credible assistance to MTN as it demonstrates the determination to complete the highway project on schedule.
In his own remarks, the CEO of MTN Nigeria expressed his appreciation for the Honourable Minister’s understanding of the challenges being faced in the execution of the contract, pledging to expedite work on the project.
He thus assured the Honourable Minister that his organisation would continue to partner with the Federal Government and work assiduously for the successful completion of the highway project.