FG threatens sanctions over Abuja–Lokoja Road delays

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The Federal Government has warned that contractors handling the Abuja–Lokoja Road reconstruction risk sanctions if they fail to deliver on schedule, insisting that funds released must be properly utilised for project execution.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the road corridor in Lokoja, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate delays or poor performance on critical infrastructure projects.

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to nationwide road rehabilitation, with the Abuja–Lokoja route receiving priority attention due to its economic and security significance.

Umahi directed officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to submit a detailed project status report and line diagram of the road, while also summoning contractors to account for their financial and operational performance.

“We can no longer keep quiet and allow contractors to do whatever they want to do. Contractors who have received government funds must utilise them for the intended purpose and ensure that critical sections of the road are attended to immediately,” he said.

The minister also expressed concern over prolonged construction work on some sections of the highway, noting that the situation has caused hardship for commuters.

He warned that no section of the road should be blocked for more than 14 days without proper traffic management, adding that ministry officials would be held accountable for weak supervision.

Umahi further cautioned that negligent staff within the ministry would face sanctions if found culpable.

On funding, he appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the Ministry of Finance to speed up the release of approved funds, saying delays in payments were affecting project delivery.

He commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and promoting the use of durable concrete pavement technology on major highways.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said infrastructure delivery requires collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to play their roles effectively.

Managing Director of Guild Construction Company, Jamilu Ogunbola, said the firm is handling Section 3 of the project, covering 28 kilometres, adding that about 8.2 kilometres of continuously reinforced concrete pavement has been completed and is ready for traffic.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to completing all legacy road projects, describing infrastructure development as key to economic growth, regional connectivity and national security.

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