The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said Sukuk was supporting 44 roads projects across Nigeria.
Mr Fashola said on Monday during the commissioning and handing over phase I and II of Vandeikya-Ogbudu Cattle Ranch Road in Tsua, Vandiekya local government area of Benue State.
He said said Sukuk was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria adding that as the roads are completed they would be commissioned.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr George Akume.
Mr Fashola said that the completed road would impact positively to the lives of the host communities and other commuters that would ply it.
“These projects represent major investment in road transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.
“They are visible and incontrovertible assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.
“This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare — Potiskum, Shuwarin — Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal-Kontagora Roads.”
According to the former governor of Lagos State,
other handing over formalities that would follow the formalities in Kebbi and Vandeikya would be in:
“Section II, 142.2 kilo meters dualization between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.
“Section III covering 106.3 Kilometers dualization between Azare and Potiskum connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.
“Nnewe-Uduma-Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.”He said
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr Babangida Hussaini said the road was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, at the cost of N6. 6bn.
Represented by Engr Rugba Emengo, Director Highways North Central, Engr Hussaini said the first phase of the contract was awarded in 2012 while the second phase was in 2015.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, Mr George Gao, Deputy General Manager, South-South/South-East Regional Office said the road was built according to the ministry’s approved standard.
Mr Gao said that the contract was awarded in 2012 at the cost of N6. 6bn and its first phase was completed in 2014 adding that the total length of the raod was 24 kilo meters.
He said the road which was built for a period of 7 years would last for over 30 years adding that the road had a pedestrian way and other related facilities such as installation of signaling and safety systems.
Also speaking to newsmen, Arch. Benard Yisa commended President Muhammadu Buhari for completing a top class road project for them to improve the locals socio-economic well being.
Yisa a 2023 governorship aspirant said as an architect he knew that the road was a top quality completed project that would stand test of time.
In her remarks, Executive Chairperson, Vandiekya LG Mrs Kukase Garba commended the the President for building the road for the use of her people.
Kukase also appealed to the President to equally rehabilitate Gboko – Ugbema road and Gboko – Ihugh – Tse Maker – Vandiekya road to ease the transport system of the locals.
