The Federal Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling federal road projects, demanding accountability and timely completion.
During an extensive inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States, the Minister expressed significant dissatisfaction with progress on sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the Dualisation of Obajana Junction-Benin Road.
Umahi highlighted a discrepancy between reported progress and actual work on the ground, stating, “I am very sad with what I saw on the ground. What was reported to us is not reflected in the actual work being done.”
He reiterated the Ministry’s directive that no federal highway section should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction.
Consequently, an ultimatum was issued to an unnamed contractor to complete a required section within a stipulated period, or face contract termination.
Despite these challenges, the Minister lauded Messrs JRB Construction Company for their exemplary work, describing them as a “model of professionalism and commitment.”
He emphasized that if all contractors performed their duties diligently, there would be no reason to attribute project delays to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Another ultimatum was issued to GELD Construction Company, giving them 72 hours to demonstrate visible progress using already released funds.
The Minister acknowledged that the current administration inherited a significantly deteriorated federal road network but affirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s road infrastructure.
He also directed Federal Controllers of Works, Engineers’ Representatives, and project supervisors to enhance monitoring and accountability, ensuring all procurement processes and expenditures are justified.
The inspection tour also covered the reconstruction of the existing pavement and completion of the additional carriageway on Section III of the Abuja‒Lokoja Dual Carriageway, including works by Trucrete Solutions Limited.
Critical bridge projects and the
dualization of the Lokoja‒Benin Road were also assessed, with flyovers and interchange components showing varying degrees of completion.
Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, commended Minister Umahi’s leadership and commitment to public funds.
He stressed that political office holders should not be blamed for contractor underperformance and called for timely fund releases from NNPCL and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, echoed these sentiments, urging the stakeholders to support the Ministry and commending JRB Construction for their investment.
GELD Construction Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Fadi Azimi, pledged to accelerate work.
The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its dedication to addressing non-performing contractors and ensuring timely delivery of quality road and bridge infrastructure.
