Tinubu moves to prevent disruption of NNPC-funded road projects
President Bola Tinubu has taken action in light of increasing worries about possible funding interruptions affecting crucial road projects under the NNPC Limited Tax Credit Scheme.To avoid delays and reassure stakeholders, the President has instructed the ongoing execution of the scheme and immediate disbursement of payments to contractors.
During a high-level meeting in Abuja with impacted contractors, Minister of Works, David Umahi, communicated the administration's firm dedication to enhancing infrastructure development.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the Minister guaranteed stakeholders that funding for all projects would continue, asserting that no initiative under the scheme would be left incomplete.
The statement expressed, “President Bola Tinubu, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has promptly addressed the current worries regarding the potential cessation of funding for road infrastructure projects under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited Tax Credit Scheme, directing a resumption in payments. Stakeholders are reassured of consistent funding and guaranteed that no project will be left unfinished.”
The Minister responded to concerns regarding pending payment certificates under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, assuring contractors that the majority of the projects funded through the scheme will proceed as scheduled and will remain unaffected.
Additionally, he assured contractors—particularly those managing concession-bound roads—that all pending payments and entitlements will be fully resolved before the projects are handed over to potential concessionaires with verified funding and capacity to execute.
Umahi also urged all contractors and field officers to return to their work sites immediately and resume progress.
He emphasized that updated project documentation, including revised scopes for important routes like the Lokoja–Benin Dual Carriageway and other ongoing initiatives, should be submitted within a week.
He warned that erroneous data submissions could result in misinformation and lead to delays in project implementation. Discussing the issue of unpaid certificates, the Minister highlighted the necessity of accurately reconciling certified sums with actual payments received—including VAT, other applicable taxes, and the five percent retention fee—all of which are components of contractors’ entitlements.
He revealed that the Ministry is in active collaboration with NNPCL to resolve all verified outstanding certificates achieved before 1st August 2025.
Umahi further informed contractors involved in NNPCL-funded projects that President Tinubu has sanctioned a new, sustainable funding framework set to begin on 1st August 2025, ensuring that all such projects will proceed uninterrupted.
Umahi announced the establishment of a committee comprising Directors of Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Highways (Bridges and Design), Press and Public Relations, and Public Procurement. This committee is assigned the role of collecting and confirming all pertinent information within the specified timeline.
He also revealed that Zonal Directors, Federal Controllers of Works, and contractors will be mobilized across the six geopolitical zones to conduct physical assessments of ongoing projects and inaugurate completed remedial works.
These initiatives will take place with full involvement from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists to guarantee transparency and public accountability.
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