The Association of Ministry of Works’ Contractors( AMWC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for the seamless payment method adopted to pay contractors handling road projects in the Federal Ministry of Works.

The contractors also expressed appreciation to the President for his demonstrated commitment to upholding the highest standards and for the swift project delivery observed within the Ministry, as demonstrated by his Works Minister, David Umahi.

The Minister has however reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his duty of advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that he will not yield to blackmail or attacks while stressing the importance of contractors adhering strictly to procurement processes and job specifications.

These emerged during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Association to the Minister in Abuja on Thursday, where he urged the contractors to remain committed to Nigeria’s future by making sacrifices that align with the economic recovery objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, the Minister commended the Association for their support, encouragement, and cooperation with the new policies and innovations of the Ministry, while assuring that the Ministry is committed to providing indigenous contractors with a fair and equal chance in contract awards.

However, he emphasized the importance of all contractors adhering strictly to procurement processes and job specifications, emphasizing the need for speed and adherence to best standards, adding that road infrastructure is vital to the economy of every nation.

Furthermore, he stated that contractors must be ready to reduce costs in accordance with the economic conditions of the country, recognizing the importance of everyone contributing to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.

“And so let me thank you people for putting yourselves together to come. And thanks so much for your commendation of our modest achievements.

“I’m very proud of the indigenous contractors. I’ve been on site to see some of your jobs, and I have confidence in you.

“On the sponsored blackmail and falsehood often published by detractors, it is not unexpected for a person who wants a positive change from ‘the business as usual’ attitude of some contractors.

“So I am open to all the attacks, I’m open to all the blackmails.

“At least let it be that our quarrel is not because I’m asking them to give me money, but to cut down on cost, in line with the economic realities of the country, where everybody must make sacrifices.

“The indigenous contractors are as committed as us. We have already sailed. The ship is at the high sea.

“If it goes bad, all of us will go in. But if the ship goes bad, there are some people whose people will send a plane to come and evacuate them. We are not evacuated. So we have to make sacrifices to support Mr. President.”

While emphasizing President Tinubu’s commendable and timely intervention in road infrastructure development and the timely release of funds to contractors, the Minister hoped the contractors would deliver, and the economy would be alive again.

END.