Sets Clear Expectations for Contractors, Urges Swift Action to Meet Deadlines
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development while inspecting ongoing projects in the South-East and South-South regions.
During his visit to the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction-Onne Junction), Engr. Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered so far but directed the contractor, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), to increase resource deployment to accelerate progress. He warned that failure to meet the set deadline of April 2025 for completing a section of the carriageway could result in the contract being rescoped or re-awarded.
The inspection, which began on January 7, 2025, also covered Section III (Umuahia-Aba) of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Engr. Umahi commended Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. for the quality of their work but urged them to open two additional sites to ensure timely completion.
However, on Section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt), handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over delays. He noted that despite N21 billion being allocated last year, the contractor had only accessed N7 billion, leading to slow progress. Consequently, he instructed the Federal Controller of Works (Rivers State) to issue a warning to the contractor, with a threat of termination if improvements were not made promptly.
At the Bodo-Bonny Road project, Engr. Umahi voiced discontent over the pace of work by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc (JBN). Despite the contractor working through the festive period, the Minister emphasized the need for increased deployment of resources. The road, a key component of South-South infrastructure, includes 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and a reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
Engr. Umahi underscored the urgency of meeting deadlines and directed all Federal Controllers of Works to ensure the completion of at least four projects each for commissioning between February and May 2025.
“There is no room for further delays. Contractors failing to meet their obligations will face consequences, including a 14-day termination notice,” he warned.
The Minister reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s dedication to completing inherited projects alongside the four legacy projects initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He emphasized that delays were attributable to contractors, not the government.
“This year, we will enforce stricter measures to ensure projects are completed as scheduled. President Tinubu remains committed to advancing infrastructure and accelerating national growth,” Engr. Umahi stated.
He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders, including government officials, contractors, and the public, to achieve timely delivery.
“No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver. We will closely monitor all projects to align with President Tinubu’s vision for national development,” the Minister concluded.
