Nigeria’s Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, has threatened that the federal government could end contracts for road projects that were not finished on time. He complained of the slow pace of work on the projects in the South-South and South-East parts of the country by contractors.
He inspected several projects, including the Umuahia-Aba section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, managed by Arab Contractors Nig. Ltd. He also looked at the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway, handled by CCECC, and the Bodo-Bonny Road by JBN.
Umahi inspected the East-West Road as well, specifically the Eleme Junction-Onne Junction section by RCC and culverts constructed by Rock Result Nig. Ltd. He also checked Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) by Setraco Nig. Ltd.
During these inspections, Umahi addressed concerns about the government’s work on four legacy roads. He said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration plans to commission some road projects from next month until May.
He then directed Federal Controllers of Works to give him lists of completed roads ready for inauguration.
In particular, Umahi was unhappy with CCECC’s slow work at the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway. He told the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to warn the contractor, warning, “The contract will be terminated if no improvements are noticed.”
On the Bodo-Bonny Road, he urged the contractor to deploy more workers and materials to meet deadlines. This road is key to South-South infrastructure, featuring a two-lane road with hard shoulders and 17 bridges on Bonny Island.
At the East-West Road, he reminded RCC about the April 2025 delivery date and advised, “Allocate more resources to speed up work or risk rescoping and re-awarding the contract.”
While inspecting the box culverts, Umahi criticized the slow progress but praised the quality of work. Yet, he warned the contractor that failing to meet the January deadline would result in contract revocation.
He expressed satisfaction with the Ahoada-Kaiama Road but encouraged the contractor to work faster. He stressed that the April 2025 date is non-negotiable and instructed using continuously reinforced concrete pavement in certain areas.
Minister David Umahi battling with contractors yet again😦😔 pic.twitter.com/xbqeRvVTbL
— David Offor (@DavidsOffor) January 10, 2025
At the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway section, he urged the contractor to work faster.
Umahi said the ministry will closely monitor ongoing projects to ensure alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for national growth.
“Any contractor who does not meet his obligations will face consequences, including a 14-day notice of termination,” he warned.
“Despite challenges, President Tinubu remains committed to completing inherited projects and the four legacy projects he initiated,” he said, adding, “The president has not abandoned these projects. The delays are caused by contractors. This year, we will be stricter about project completion.”
Umahi called for better teamwork among everyone involved in road and bridge projects. “No contractor should collect funds and fail to deliver,” he said. “We will be more observant and take necessary actions to ensure these projects succeed.”
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