Umahi Warns Non-Performing Contractors, Says Tinubu Must Not Be Blamed for Project Delays
By Core Reporters
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, urging them to fulfil their contractual obligations and eliminate the factors responsible for delays that attract criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi gave the warning during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo states, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some sections of the Abuja–Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the dualisation of the Obajana Junction–Benin Road.
The minister disclosed that due to funding constraints, the scope of one section of the Abuja–Lokoja road project was reduced from 49.28 kilometres to 28 kilometres to enable the government concentrate available resources on the most critical portions of the road.
“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,” Umahi said.
Reiterating the ministry’s directive that no section of a federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction, the minister issued an ultimatum to the affected contractor to complete the required section within the stipulated period or face contract termination.
He, however, commended Messrs JRB Construction Company for the quality and pace of work on its project, describing the firm as a model of professionalism and commitment.
“If everybody does his job accordingly, there will be no reason to shift the blame to Mr President,” he stated.
Umahi also handed GELD Construction Company a 72-hour ultimatum to effectively utilise funds already released and demonstrate visible progress on its section of the project.
According to the minister, a substantial portion of Nigeria’s federal road network had deteriorated before the current administration came into office. He noted that President Tinubu inherited enormous infrastructure challenges but has continued to make significant investments in restoring and modernising the nation’s road network.
The minister further directed Federal Controllers of Works, Engineers’ Representatives and project supervisors to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce greater accountability. He stressed that all procurement processes and project expenditures must be properly justified.
As part of the inspection tour, Umahi visited the reconstruction of the existing pavement and completion of the additional carriageway on Section III of the Abuja–Lokoja Dual Carriageway, including works being executed by Trucrete Solutions Limited on the Koton Karfe–Abuja alignment.
He also inspected two major bridge projects along the corridor, as well as the ongoing dualisation of the Lokoja–Benin Road. The projects covered Section I, Obajana Junction–Okene, and Section II, spanning the Okene–Auchi corridor across Kogi and Edo states.
The minister further assessed progress on the flyover and interchange components being executed by CCG Contractors, noting that the flyovers had reached about 80 per cent completion, while the interchange stood at approximately 30 per cent.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, commended Umahi for his leadership and commitment to ensuring value for public funds. He said political office holders should no longer bear responsibility for the poor performance of contractors, noting that Nigerians expect timely delivery of projects and tangible results.
Onyesoh also appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt release of funds for ongoing projects. He added that the committee would reserve its final assessment pending the level of commitment demonstrated by the contractors.
Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, called on all stakeholders to support the ministry’s efforts to deliver quality road infrastructure across the country.
He emphasised that road development is a collective responsibility and noted that President Tinubu has entrusted the ministry with the critical task of ensuring efficient project execution.
Addressing contractors, Alabi assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to meeting all legitimate payment obligations. He also commended JRB Construction Company for its significant investment and commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
The Managing Director of GELD Construction Company, Mr Fadi Azimi, assured the inspection team that the company would intensify work and improve project delivery in line with the ministry’s expectations.
The Ministry of Works reaffirmed its determination to address the challenge of non-performing contractors and reiterated its commitment to strengthening supervision, accountability and the timely delivery of quality road and bridge infrastructure nationwide.
