By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, has directed contractors handling key infrastructure projects to accelerate work and meet stipulated deadlines or face penalties, including contract termination.
During an inspection tour on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Engr. Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction – Onne Junction). However, he warned the contractor, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), to deploy additional resources to hasten the pace of work. The section is expected to be delivered by April 2025.
The Minister began his inspection on January 7, 2025, with the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia – Aba). He commended Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. for their work quality but urged them to open two more sites to meet the project timeline.
On Section IV (Aba – Port Harcourt), handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress. Despite N21 billion being allocated last year, only N7 billion has been accessed. He instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a warning to the contractor, threatening contract termination if improvements are not made.
At the Bodo-Bonny Road project site, Engr. Umahi criticized the contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc (JBN), for insufficient progress despite working through the holiday season. This critical South-South infrastructure project includes a 2-lane road, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
The Minister emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure as a growth enabler, urging all contractors to adhere strictly to deadlines. He directed Federal Controllers of Works to ensure at least four projects are ready for commissioning between February and May 2025.
“There is no room for delays. Contractors who fail to meet their obligations will face termination. The Ministry will enforce a 14-day termination notice for underperforming contracts,” Umahi declared.
Engr. Umahi reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to completing inherited projects and advancing his administration’s infrastructure goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The President has not abandoned these projects; delays have been caused by contractors. This year, we will enforce stricter oversight to ensure projects are delivered on time,” he stated.
The Minister concluded by calling for collective efforts from government, contractors, and the public to ensure the success of ongoing road and bridge projects. “No contractor should receive government funds without delivering. We will take necessary actions to guarantee timely and quality project completion,” he affirmed.
