24th February, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi has finalized discussions with investors from the Netherlands to attract a grant of 25 million Euros for the construction of 28 priority bridges in Nigeria.
This was disclosed after a meeting of the Minister of Works with the team of investors from the Netherlands led by the Nigerian Ambassador to the European country, Oluremi Oliyide on Friday.
Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser ( Media) to the Minister of Works said in a statement that Umahi assured the team of the positive disposition of the Federal Government towards accessing international interventions from donor agencies and other development partners to address infrastructural deficits inhibiting economic development in Nigeria.
He said that an increase in partnerships and collaborations was necessary to support the funding of the critical sector of the economy for the promotion of robust and equitable economic growth.
He assured the investors that once due diligence was carried out, he would present the proposal to Mr. President for approval.
Umahi said, “We have a number of projects that we can do together. But I think the best thing to do is to conclude this one, which is a grant, then get the process started, and at the point of agreement and project selection, we shall refer to Mr. President for his approval”
In his earlier remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands said the team was in his office to discuss the offer of a grant of 25 million Euros by Janson Bridging International for investment in road infrastructure in Nigeria.
According to him, “Janson Bridging is the largest modular bridge manufacturing and bridging company in continental Europe and the largest bridge rental company in the world. ”
He promised to assist in fast racking the agreement implementation process on the side of the company as soon as all formalizations were concluded.
On his own part, a member of the team and International Business Consultant, Eric Okunde, said the investors were ready with the proposal and that they were technically prepared to work with the Federal Ministry of Works in the mapping and design of the projects as well as the formulation of the template for the execution of the project.