The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to contractors handling critical road infrastructure projects in the Southeast and South-South regions, threatening to terminate contracts over persistent delays in project delivery.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, raised the alarm during his inspection of major road projects across the regions. The minister decried the slow pace of work on several key projects, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to timely and high-quality infrastructure delivery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Projects Under Review
Among the projects inspected were:
- Section III (Umuahia-Aba) of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway: Handled by Arab Contractors Nig. Ltd.
- Alignment of Section IV of the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway: Managed by CCECC.
- Bodo-Bonny Road: Executed by JBN, featuring 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
- Section III (Eleme Junction-Onne Junction) of the East-West Road: Managed by RCC.
- Multiple box culverts on the East-West Road: Constructed by Rock Result Nig. Ltd.
- Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) of the East-West Road: Overseen by Setraco Nig. Ltd.
Warnings Issued to Contractors
At Section IV of the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway, Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with CCECC’s slow progress and directed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a warning. He cautioned that the contract could be terminated if there were no noticeable improvements.
Similarly, Umahi criticized the contractor handling the Bodo-Bonny Road for inadequate deployment of personnel, materials, and equipment, warning that delays would no longer be tolerated.
Inspecting the Eleme Junction-Onne Junction section of the East-West Road, the minister reminded RCC of its April 2025 delivery deadline. He cautioned that failure to meet this timeline would lead to re-scoping or re-awarding of the contract.
While inspecting multiple box culverts on the same road, Umahi commended the quality of work but maintained that any failure to meet the January 2025 completion date would result in contract revocation.
On the Ahoada-Kaiama Road, the minister noted the high standard of work but urged the contractor to deploy additional resources to ensure timely delivery. He also directed the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for a flood-affected 2.3-kilometer section of the road.
Government Commitment to Timely Delivery
Addressing concerns about abandoned projects, Umahi clarified that the Tinubu administration remains committed to completing inherited projects and the four legacy roads initiated by the current government. He directed Federal Controllers of Works to compile lists of completed roads for inauguration, with some projects scheduled for delivery between next month and May 2025.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, Umahi emphasized that contractors failing to meet their obligations would face serious consequences, including a 14-day termination notice.
“The ministry will not tolerate delays,” Ahmed stated. “Contractors who collect government funds must deliver on their promises. This year, we will enforce stricter monitoring to ensure timely project completion.”
Umahi also called for improved collaboration among stakeholders, including contractors, government officials, and the public, to achieve infrastructure goals.
PETROAN Criticizes East-West Road Delays
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has criticized the slow progress on the Eleme section of the East-West Road, accusing the contractor of hindering the efficient distribution of petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery.
In a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, PETROAN disclosed that despite receiving N33 billion from the Ministry of Works, the contractor had failed to deliver the project. The delay has adversely affected about 60 retail outlets, with PETROAN demanding compensation for affected owners.
“The deplorable state of the Eleme East-West Road poses significant risks, including potential accidents and environmental disasters,” the statement read. PETROAN urged President Tinubu to reevaluate the contract and fast-track its completion to align with the administration’s vision of national development.
Looking Ahead
With renewed focus on delivering critical infrastructure, the Federal Government has vowed to ensure strict adherence to project timelines, promising a zero-tolerance approach to delays and inefficiencies. All contractors and stakeholders are expected to cooperate fully to meet the administration’s infrastructure development goals.
Published by Hobnob News.
