FG Engaging Host Communities To Construct Truck Parking Yards On Highways—Umahi

The minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that the federal government is engaging with host communities secure suitable lands for truck parking yards at key locations along major highways in order to improve logistics and reduce congestion.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to delivering durable, innovative, and economically impactful infrastructure across Nigeria, following key approvals and policy directions aimed at accelerating national development.

Umahi disclosed these on Wednesday when he received the Management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited on a courtesy call to his office.

The minister in a statement by the director Press Ministry of Works Mohammed Ahmed disclosed that the President has approved the commencement of an extension of the recently completed Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project in Rivers State to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with an estimated cost of about N150 billion.

The minister further revealed that the project has been slated for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for formal ratification, underscoring the administration’s commitment to due process and transparency in project execution.

He noted that as part of efforts to enhance safety, aesthetics, and economic activity along the nation’s road corridors, the government has approved the installation of solar-powered street lighting and the planting of trees.

“These initiatives are designed to improve night-time visibility, boost security, beautify the corridor, and stimulate commercial activities across the host communities,” he said.

He noted that plans were also underway to deploy a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system along major highways, complemented by strategically located monitoring centres.

“This measure is expected to significantly reduce emergency response time to under 10 minutes, thereby strengthening road safety and security management.

The project design also includes the construction of rest areas/relief stations and service facilities to support effective monitoring and maintenance operations. Contractors have been directed to utilise savings from project costs to further enhance infrastructure through the provision of solar lighting and tree planting, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
”
He continued “In a bid to improve logistics and reduce congestion, the government has emphasised the inclusion of truck parking yards at key locations along the project’s corridor. Engagements with host communities are ongoing to secure suitable land for these facilities, ensuring smooth implementation and community participation. The government has also set a strict project delivery timeline of not more than 12 months from the date of award, with firm provisions to prevent cost variations. This is aimed at ensuring efficiency, accountability, and value for money,”.
Umahi reiterated that the ongoing infrastructure revolution under the current Renewed Hope Administration is unprecedented with a visible impact across all regions of the country.
He emphasised that the government is not only focused on constructing roads but on delivering world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

He therefore , reiterated the federal government’s resolve to continue exploring innovative solutions, fostering investment, and ensuring that infrastructure development directly benefits communities nationwide.

The managing director of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, in the company of some officials presented a model of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ship to the minister, symbolising NLNG’s commitment to innovation and the promotion of cleaner energy solutions in Nigeria’s transportation and maritime sectors.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of mutual interest and collaboration in advancing sustainable infrastructure development.