Umahi Warns Non-performing Contractors, Exonerates Tinubu from Project Delays

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja                                                                             

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a warning to contractors handling federal government road projects, urging them to fulfil their contractual obligations and eliminate the factors that give rise to unwarranted criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some sections of the Abuja-Lokoja dual carriageway and the dualisation of Obajana Junction-Benin Road.

According to a in Abuja statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, Umahi stated that due to funding constraints, the scope of one of the sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road had to be reduced from 49.28 kilometres to 28 kilometres to concentrate available resources on the most critical portions.

“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,” the minister observed.

Umahi reiterated the ministry’s directive that no section of the federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction. He subsequently issued an ultimatum to the affected contractor to complete the required section within the stipulated period or risk termination of the contract.

He also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to GELD Construction Company, handling one of the sections, to effectively utilise funds already released to demonstrate visible progress on the project.

The minister mentioned that a substantial percentage of Nigeria’s federal road network had deteriorated before the advent of the present administration, stressing that Tinubu inherited enormous infrastructure challenges but has continued to make significant strides to restore and modernise the nation’s road sector.

He further directed the Federal Controllers of Works (FCW), Engineers’ Representatives (ER) and project supervisors to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce greater accountability, insisting that all procurement processes and expenditures must be properly justified.

In his comments, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, noted that political office holders can no longer continue to bear responsibility for the poor performance of contractors, stressing that Nigerians expect tangible results and timely project delivery.

Onyesoh also appealed to the authorities to ensure the timely release of funds for ongoing projects. He added that the committee would reserve its final assessment pending the level of commitment and progress demonstrated by the contractors.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, called on all stakeholders to support the ministry in delivering a quality road network across the country.

He emphasised that road development is a collective responsibility and observed that the President has entrusted the ministry with the critical task of ensuring efficient project execution.