In a decisive move aimed at enhancing road infrastructure, Minister for Works, David Umahi, has announced the abolition of surface dressing on Nigeria’s roads. Umahi emphasized that surface dressing, which involves sealing road surfaces with bitumen and aggregate, was contributing to premature road deterioration by allowing water to penetrate the asphalt shortly after completion.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 29th meeting of the National Council on Works in Abakaliki, themed ‘Unlocking infrastructural potentials and opportunities as a catalyst for sustainable development under the Renewed Hope Agenda’. Umahi applauded the host governor, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, for facilitating the gathering of commissioners and permanent secretaries from the Ministry of Works.
Additionally, Umahi disclosed that the Ministry has imposed a ban on the evaluation of price variation for materials, attributing exorbitant project costs as a hindrance to infrastructure development in the country. He urged contractors to prioritize efficiency and timeliness in executing road projects, stressing the need for engineers to adopt innovative approaches.
In response, Governor Nwifuru highlighted the state’s achievement in completing 700 kilometers of roads as part of its commitment to improving infrastructure across Ebonyi State.
The federal government’s decision to discontinue surface dressing marks a strategic shift aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in road maintenance and advancing sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
