Umahi sets deadlines for contractors on key road projects
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued stern directives to contractors handling critical road projects in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South zones.
During an inspection tour, he warned contractors to accelerate their work or face termination and re-award of contracts.
Umahi, who inspected the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction to Onne Junction), commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for the quality of their work but demanded increased resources to meet the April 2025 deadline.
“Failure to deliver will result in re-scoping or re-award of the contract,” he cautioned.
The Minister began his inspection on January 7, 2025, with the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Umuahia-Aba section), where he praised Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd for their work but urged them to open two additional sites to speed up progress.
On Section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt), handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), he expressed disappointment over delays, noting that only ₦7 billion of the ₦21 billion allocated for the project had been utilized.
Umahi instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a warning to CCECC, threatening termination if improvements are not made.
At the Bodo-Bonny Road project, a critical infrastructure initiative featuring 17 bridges and a 2-lane road, Umahi also criticized the pace of work.
Despite progress during the holiday season, he urged Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc to deploy more resources to meet expectations.
Umahi emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to completing these projects as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Timely delivery of these projects will enhance connectivity and stimulate socio-economic growth,” he said.
The Minister directed Federal Controllers of Works to ensure at least four completed projects are ready for commissioning between February and May 2025. He warned contractors of strict penalties for delays, including a 14-day notice of contract termination for underperformance.
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s dedication, Umahi stated, “President Tinubu remains fully committed to completing inherited projects and initiating new ones. This year, we will enforce stricter measures to ensure contractors meet their obligations.”
Umahi called for collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing that contractors must deliver on their promises.
“No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver. We will be vigilant and take necessary actions to ensure project completion,” he concluded.
