David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has issued a firm ultimatum to the contractors responsible for segments of the Abuja-Lokoja Road project, urging them to improve their performance or face investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) due to unsatisfactory progress.
During an inspection tour from Abuja to Obajana Junction in Kogi State on Saturday, Umahi expressed his frustration that, despite nearly two years since contract awards, only one contractor has managed to complete a mere three kilometres out of the entire 400-kilometre road.
While acknowledging that certain sections demonstrated commendable workmanship, the minister criticized the overall sluggish pace of the project’s advancement.
He further cautioned that field engineers who neglect to report underperformance will also be held responsible for the delays.
“The three contracts awarded in 2023 are at risk of being referred to the EFCC. We will summon the contractors, set strict deadlines in accordance with legal frameworks,” Umahi stated.
“Should they fail to meet these deadlines, we will have no alternative but to escalate the matter to the EFCC and ICPC to ensure recovery of public funds,” he added.
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The minister revealed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has already intervened in over 230 kilometres of the road, yet approximately 200 kilometres remain in a severely deteriorated state.
Highlighting contractor performance, Umahi noted varying levels of progress across the project.
“JRB Construction has successfully completed over 15 kilometres of its 22-kilometre section with satisfactory quality.
“Guild Construction is managing a 53-kilometre stretch valued at N56 billion, showing slow but quality progress, while Trucrete is working on a 47-kilometre reinforced concrete segment, which was previously reassigned from Bulletin Construction,” he explained.
The minister also identified certain contractors whose poor performance is unacceptable and warned that the government will no longer tolerate such delays.
“The state of the roads inherited by Mr. President is alarming, with every region facing significant infrastructure challenges. While not everything can be completed within two to four years, we are committed to making tangible progress. Contractors who fail to deliver will face consequences,” Umahi emphasized.
