BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Worried by the slow pace of projects, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has warned contractors that no section of the Federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction.
This was even as he compelled the affected contractors to complete the required section within the stipulated period or risk termination of the contract.
At the continuation of 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.
To this end, Umahi read the riot act to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, urging them to fulfil their contractual obligations and eliminate the factors that attract undue criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
He disclosed that due to funding constraints, the scope of one of the Sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road was 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 said.
He commended Messrs JRB Construction Company for the quality and pace of work on its project, describing the company as a model of professionalism and commitment.
According to him, "If everybody does his job accordingly, there will be no reason to shift the blame to Mr. President," he added.
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.
Umahi pointed out that a substantial percentage of Nigeria's Federal road network had deteriorated before the advent of the present administration, stressing that President Tinubu inherited enormous infrastructure challenges but continued to make significant strides to restore and modernise the nation's road sector.
He 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.
The minister also visited the reconstruction of the existing pavement and completion of the additional carriageway on Section III of the Abuja–Lokoja Dual Carriageway, including works currently executed by Trucrete Solutions Limited on the Koton Karfe–Abuja alignment.
In addition, he inspected two critical bridge projects along the same corridor, as well as the ongoing dualisation of the Lokoja–Benin Road.
The projects inspected include Section I, Obajana Junction–Okene, and Section II covering the Okene–Auchi corridor across Kogi and Edo States.
Umahi also assessed progress on the flyover and interchange components of the project being executed by CCG Contractors, with the flyovers at approximately 80 percent completion and the interchange at about 30 percent.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh commended Engr. Umahi for his visionary leadership and firm commitment to ensuring value for public funds.
He noted that political office holders should longer be blamed for poor performance of contractors, adding that Nigerians expect tangible results and timely project delivery.
Onyesoh appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Ministry of Finance 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.
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 President Tinubu has entrusted the ministry with the critical task of ensuring efficient project execution.
Addressing contractors, Hon. Alabi assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to meeting all legitimate payment obligations, while commending JRB Construction Company for the significant investment and commitment to Nigeria's infrastructure development.
The Managing Director of GELD Construction Company, Mr. Fadi Azimi assured the delegation that the company would intensify work and ensure improved project delivery, in line with the ministry's expectations.
The ministry 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 across the country.
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