Umahi orders immediate improvement in toll collection, warns contractor over delays

By Kunle Sanni

Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, has directed immediate improvements in toll collection at the Garaku Toll Plaza on the Keffi–Akwanga section of the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dualisation Project following widespread complaints from motorists.

During a visit to the toll plaza on February 7, 2025, Umahi expressed displeasure over inefficiencies in electronic toll collection, which he said were causing unnecessary hardship for commuters.

In response, he ordered the concessionaire, China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), to increase collection points, deploy more Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and establish relief stations to enhance public convenience.

“The tollgate should not have this kind of bottleneck,” Umahi stated. “If the situation is not improved by Monday, February 10, I will release the traffic and replace them.”

He also warned that failure to establish adequate relief stations for motorists could lead to the termination of the contract.

Beyond the toll plaza concerns, Umahi issued a 14-day termination notice to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) over its slow progress on the Abuja–Keffi section of the road project.

Despite receiving mobilization funds, the contractor has completed only 8.7% of the project while exceeding 46% of the agreed timeline. The Minister described this performance as unacceptable, warning that if no significant improvement is recorded within two weeks, the government will take over the project.

“The people are suffering, and the President is deeply concerned. Contractors cannot continue to mismanage Nigeria’s resources while failing to deliver as agreed,” Umahi stated.

He further emphasized that mobilization funds already disbursed would not be subject to review and that contractors must be held accountable for cost escalations caused by delays.

The Minister also ordered:

• Reconstruction of all failed sections of the completed Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi alignment.
• Reconfiguration of the road median with solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and safety.
• Strict quality control to prevent substandard work, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure.

Umahi reaffirmed that the Ministry has full authority to terminate contracts where political interests override performance.

He gave China Harbour Engineering Company an ultimatum to complete one full carriageway by April or face contract termination.