- The Federal Government of Nigeria is transitioning from asphalt to concrete for highway construction to enhance durability, with 70% of federal highways now designed with concrete to extend their lifespan
- Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, praised the KAMSTEEL plant’s scale and employment generation, directing contractors to use high-quality local construction materials to boost job creation, revenue, and support the national currency by reducing dependence on foreign products
The Federal Government of Nigeria is transitioning from asphalt to concrete for highway construction to enhance durability. During a KAMSTEEL Integrated Company Limited tour in Jimba-Oja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated that 70% of federal highways are now being designed with concrete to extend their lifespan.
“If you think of all the roads we are constructing in Nigeria, we are moving from asphalt to concrete for over 70% of our roads. All the roads we are designing now are being designed on concrete,” Umahi said.
The minister praised the KAMSTEEL plant’s scale and employment generation, directing contractors to use high-quality local construction materials to boost job creation and revenue and support the national currency by reducing dependence on foreign products.
“What we have seen here is what you see in China and India, and we are so impressed with the massive scale clubbed with modern technology used to produce international quality products. It is something of great hope for Nigeria. Because in having a road with concrete, we must reinforce technology, and you will see the multiplier effect.
“And so, it is going to be in line with the agenda of the man of hope, courage and destiny, President Bola Tinubu, which he has brought to us. A lot of our contractors are already using locally produced construction materials. From what I have seen today and the files that my directors revealed, we have no hesitation in directing our contractors, almost all, to promote made-in-Nigeria construction materials.
“We are doing asphalt roads; some of our asphalt roads don’t last more than five years. And so with the concrete technology and every raw material and ingredient of road pavement sourced locally, a great value for taxpayers’ money.
“So, we will support local manufacturers and even get our presence. If need be, we will even specify it in our procurement for contractors to source materials locally so that we meet the highest quality for our bridges,” the minister said.
Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, Group Managing Director of KAM Holdings Limited, guided the minister through the factory and expressed commitment to maintaining high standards in their products. He highlighted that the company’s prime product, Elephant TMT, is UKCARES-certified and suitable for heavy construction, including high-rise buildings, mega bridges, and dams.
“We are determined to give the end users value for what they are paying for, which is our mission in the country. We are sure that any contractors that use our products always have good testimonies to say about us,” Yusuf said.