President Tinubu directs full indigenous contractors empowerment to drive Nigeria’s infrastructure, urging local firms to match global construction standards.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to indigenous contractors empowerment, directing the Ministry of Works to prioritize local firms in major national infrastructure projects.
The president emphasized that empowering indigenous companies is essential for economic growth, job creation, and the retention of technical expertise within Nigeria.
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, disclosed this directive during an inspection of the Oyo–Ogbomoso dual carriageway project being executed by JRB Construction Company Ltd, a reputable Nigerian firm.
He explained that President Tinubu’s vision is to promote local capacity in road construction and reduce the overdependence on foreign contractors.
Umahi, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the site, praised JRB Construction for setting new standards among Nigerian contractors.
He revealed that the 52-kilometre dual carriageway was initially awarded to another company before JRB took over to complete the remaining 36 kilometres within 18 months.
“When I first visited this site, it was in terrible condition,” Umahi said.
“But JRB has transformed it completely. I declare them the best indigenous contractor in the Ministry of Works, and I have no apology for that.”
He added that the project demonstrates the positive results of President Tinubu’s indigenous contractors empowerment policy, as capable local firms are proving they can match or exceed international standards.
Commending JRB for its quality drainage and technical excellence, the Minister compared its performance to Hi-Tech Construction Company, which is handling the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
“The drainage here can only be compared with Hi-Tech’s quality. I am proud of what JRB is doing,” he remarked.
Umahi encouraged JRB and other Nigerian contractors to continue improving their capacity and professionalism.
“I want JRB to upgrade. Every indigenous company should aim to perform like Hi-Tech. With the right investment and equipment, you can reach that level,” he said.
He stressed that the federal government’s focus on indigenous contractors empowerment would ensure that Nigerian companies are no longer sidelined in major infrastructure projects.
The Minister also emphasized the need for local contractors to take ownership and financial responsibility for their projects. He noted that JRB had demonstrated exceptional commitment by achieving progress beyond the amount already paid by the government.
“This man has done more than the percentage paid to him. Why wouldn’t we support him?” Umahi asked.
“Any contractor who refuses to take a small financial risk cannot be a genuine partner in national development.”
According to him, contractors who are willing to invest their resources show faith in Nigeria’s growth. He promised to brief President Tinubu about JRB’s outstanding performance to encourage further government support for local firms leading the indigenous contractors empowerment initiative.
Speaking to journalists at the Ogbomoso project site, JRB Construction’s Technical Project Manager, Engr. Joseph Onche, confirmed that the project would be completed before its official September 2026 deadline.
He explained that the company mobilized to site immediately after the contract award and has spent eight productive months ensuring timely progress.
“We are fully committed to finishing ahead of schedule,” Onche said.
“We have the necessary manpower, machinery, and experience. The government’s policy on indigenous contractors empowerment is working because it allows local firms like ours to prove our capabilities.”
The Oyo–Ogbomoso dual carriageway forms a vital link within Nigeria’s southwestern transport corridor. When completed, it will ease traffic, reduce travel time, and promote economic activities between Oyo and Kwara States.
Minister Umahi stated that such projects are key to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure development and the promotion of local enterprise.
“When we empower local contractors, we create jobs, build capacity, and keep capital circulating within our economy,” he explained.
He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Works would continue to support credible firms that uphold excellence, integrity, and professionalism.
“We are ready to partner with any company that shares our commitment to quality delivery,” he said.
President Tinubu’s call for indigenous contractors empowerment marks a new phase in Nigeria’s construction sector, where local competence is recognized as a driver of national progress.
The policy aims to gradually shift dominance from expatriate firms to capable Nigerian companies with proven records.
Umahi concluded that the Federal Government will continue to strengthen its monitoring systems to ensure that indigenous contractors maintain high-quality standards and timely delivery.
“We are raising a new generation of local construction giants who can compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
As JRB Construction continues work on the Oyo–Ogbomoso project, its achievements symbolize the success of President Tinubu’s initiative to make Nigerian companies central to the nation’s infrastructure revolution.
Through strategic investment, government support, and industry discipline, indigenous contractors empowerment is becoming the backbone of Nigeria’s infrastructure development — shaping a future built by Nigerians, for Nigerians.
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