LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Federal Government to replace asphalt roads with concrete ones.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Apapa-Oworonshoki road by President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Sunday, Dangote explained that concrete roads are easier to build and maintain.
He said, “The Apapa-Oworonshoki road will be a catalyst for economic development, creating employment opportunities during and after construction. It has also permitted the accumulation of experience in building concrete roads in Nigeria.
“Indeed, given the huge cost savings achieved in this project vis-à-vis Nigerian road terrain, it is recommended that the Federal Ministry of Works gives serious consideration to stipulating the replacement of Nigeria’s asphalt road networks with easier-to-build and maintain concrete roads with a 100 per cent local inputs.”
Dangote highlighted that the Apapa-Oworonshoki road plays a vital role as a connecting link between various markets and Nigerian ports, as well as other key economic centers.
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This importance, he stated, was a driving factor behind the decision to utilize Executive Order 007 on Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme for the road’s reconstruction.
He mentioned that the Dangote Group successfully raised capital for the comprehensive refurbishment and expansion of the entire 37-kilometer Apapa-Isolo-Oworonshoki road, increasing its capacity to 10 lanes.
He added, “Executive Order 007 created the right framework for public-private partnerships in the development of road infrastructure projects that have a measurable economic impact.
“This innovative public-private partnership framework has enabled the government to provide a vital infrastructure service without going through several budget cycles involving invariable delays in project delivery and inevitable cost escalations.”
He elaborated that the Dangote Group regards the project as a component of its Corporate Social Responsibility, underscoring that till date, only 40% of the investments made have been recovered.
“We believe that a more commercial interest rate recovery should be allowed given the high cost of capital in the Nigerian fiscal environment,” he said.
In a statement to The PUNCH, the Dangote Group mentioned that President Bola Tinubu praised Aliko Dangote for his dedication to completing the project.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu noted that the reconstruction of the 37-kilometer road, initiated in 2018 by the previous administration and finished in 2024, benefits all Nigerians.
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He said, “Lagos is home to all, I thank Aliko Dangote for coming up with this initiative and in partnership with HiTech have delivered the Tenth Wonder of The World.
“Lagos is not the only state experiencing growth and development under the renewed hope agenda. I also congratulate the Minister of Works David Umahi for his passionate commitment to structural development across Nigeria.”
For many years before the reconstruction work began in December 2018, the Apapa-Isolo-Oworonshoki road was in a poor state, with numerous failed and collapsed sections.
This condition severely hindered the movement of goods and restricted market access, paralyzing the shipping and manufacturing industries and disrupting supply chains across the economic landscape.
As a result, companies faced increased logistics costs, which were ultimately passed on to consumers.