By Kunle Sanni
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct major cement manufacturers—Dangote and BUA—to remit 2% of their sales to the Ministry of Works as compensation for increased patronage resulting from government infrastructure projects.
He made this request on Saturday during the official commissioning of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship 750-kilometre project designed as a six-lane carriageway cutting across several coastal states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
“We have increased their sales. Mr. President, I want you to order that they should pay us just two percent,” Umahi said, speaking in the presence of representatives from both companies.
The Minister also revealed that N18 billion had so far been paid as compensation for properties affected by Section 1 of the coastal highway project.
Umahi lauded the President’s insistence on using reinforced concrete pavement, which he claimed could last up to 100 years, and emphasized that the project is not only a milestone in infrastructure but also a training ground for Nigerian engineers and youth in modern construction techniques.
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