As President Bola Tinubu takes the helm in Nigeria, he is faced with the daunting task of dealing with a massive backlog of uncompleted infrastructure projects left behind by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Recent findings reveal that these projects, amounting to a staggering N16.29tn, have been identified through the national monitoring and evaluation platform, EYEMARK. This blog will delve into some of the major projects, their current status, and the challenges ahead for President Tinubu.
1. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway:
One of the key projects awaiting completion is the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a vital transportation artery. Currently at 85% completion, this 126.6-kilometer road comes with a price tag of about N315bn. Delays in reopening the expressway have been attributed to heavy traffic and logistical challenges. With Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and RCC as contractors, President Tinubu will need to address the remaining hurdles to ensure this critical infrastructure is completed promptly.
2. Bodo-Bonny Road:
Another prominent project on the list is the Bodo-Bonny Road, estimated to cost about N200bn. With a completion rate of 75%, this 37.9-kilometer road project is being handled by Julius Berger. The Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme, involving major corporations such as Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas, Dangote, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, provides funding for this crucial road. President Tinubu will need to oversee the final stages to ensure its successful delivery by December 2023.
3. Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline:
The most expensive unfinished project, estimated at $25bn (about N11.52tn), is the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is leading its implementation as part of Nigeria’s National Gas Expansion Programme. The project involves signing Memoranda of Understanding with national oil companies from Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone. President Tinubu will need to navigate complex negotiations and funding challenges to move this strategic pipeline forward.
4. Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Pipeline Project:
The $2.8bn (about N1.29tn) Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline project, currently at 70% completion, is another vital infrastructure initiative. Contractors including Oando Plc, Brentex Petroleum Services Ltd, Oilserve Ltd, and China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau are responsible for its execution. President Tinubu must ensure the smooth progress of this project, which will contribute significantly to electricity generation and boost the country’s energy infrastructure.
5. Greater Abuja Water Project:
Despite an estimated cost of $470.76m (about N217bn), the counterpart funding for the Greater Abuja Water Project remains pending. This long-awaited project has faced delays due to the non-release of the 20% counterpart fund by the Federal Government. President Tinubu will need to prioritize the completion of this crucial water project to meet the growing demands of the capital city.
Conclusion:
President Bola Tinubu has inherited a considerable burden in the form of unfinished infrastructure projects, requiring his immediate attention and decisive action. With billions of naira and foreign investments at stake, it is imperative that he navigates the complexities of project management, funding, and stakeholder engagement to bring these initiatives to fruition. The successful completion of these projects will not only enhance Nigeria’s infrastructure but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.
