Dave Umahi, minister of works, says President Bola Tinubu has given a clear directive to the ministry to empower and promote indigenous contractors in road construction projects across the country.
Speaking during an inspection of the Oyo–Ogbomoso dual carriageway project, Umahi said the ministry is already fulfilling the president’s mandate through the performance of JRB Construction Company Ltd and other local firms.
He described JRB’s handling of the 36-kilometre section of the 52-kilometre highway as exemplary, noting that the company had turned around a previously difficult project within just eight months
“But for JRB, an indigenous contractor, I am very shocked. I was here before and all those difficult things on this road, JRB has diminished them. I declare them the best indigenous contractor in the Ministry of Works,” Umahi said.
“The drainage you have here, only Hi-Tech can compare with the quality. Honestly, I am very proud of what you are doing.”
The minister urged JRB and other local firms to upgrade their capacity to match the standards of Hi-Tech Construction, the company handling the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway project.
“I want JRB to upgrade; everyone’s target should be to reach Hi-Tech’s performance level. With what you are doing, you can get there. You have equipment and skilled workers — both expatriate and indigenous — that rival any firm,” he said.
Umahi assured that the ministry would report JRB’s achievements to the president for further support, stressing that the company embodies Tinubu’s vision of empowering capable Nigerian contractors.
“If indigenous contractors can deliver this quality, we have no reason to keep awarding jobs to expatriates who contribute little to our economy,” he added.
“JRB has done more than the percentage we’ve paid. Any contractor unwilling to take reasonable risk or invest in our development cannot be called a partner.”
At the project site in Ogbomoso, Joseph Onche, JRB’s technical project manager, said the company mobilised immediately after the contract award and had made significant progress.
He assured that the project, scheduled for completion in September 2026, would be delivered ahead of time.
“We’ve spent just eight months on site, and we are confident of finishing before the official deadline,” Onche said.
