FG warns contractors over delayed Kogi road projects, threatens termination

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has threatened to terminate sections of two major road projects in Kogi State over poor performance by contractors, despite the release of substantial advance payments.

Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, issued the warning in Abuja during a meeting with contractors handling the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road and the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe dual carriageway, both awarded in 2022.

Umahi expressed displeasure that the projects, expected to be completed in 2024, have achieved less than two percent progress. CCECC Nigeria Ltd, contractor for the 52.27km Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe road, has delivered only 1.97% of work despite receiving ₦2.5 billion upfront. TEC Engineering Company Ltd, handling the Lokoja–Anyigba road, has recorded just 1.04% completion after collecting ₦1 billion.

The minister directed CCECC to return to site within 30 days and show progress commensurate with funds released or face partial termination. TEC Engineering was instructed to complete at least three kilometers of asphalt by December 2025, after which the project would be closed out and re-procured.

Umahi also announced the termination of consultancy services for both projects, adding that future funding would be assessed at prevailing rates while earlier disbursements would be reviewed at old rates.

He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fast-tracking road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope agenda, stressing that all contractors must deliver quality, speed, and value for money.

The minister warned that the era of collecting mobilization funds without work delivery was over, cautioning that defaulters would face strict sanctions.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the contractors, project consultants, and the Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Muhammed Yusuf.